No fewer than 91 aspirants are set to participate in Friday’s All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary elections in Lagos State, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The aspirants, who were cleared by the party’s screening committee, will battle for the APC’s 24 House of Representatives tickets across the state’s 245 wards, barring any last-minute adjustments.
Those contesting include serving lawmakers, former members of the House of Representatives, ex-lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly, former local government chairmen and prominent party figures.
Given the large number of contenders, direct primaries are expected to take place in most wards across the state to determine the party’s candidates for the 2027 elections.
The Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, had earlier announced the adoption of direct primaries as the party’s preferred mode of selecting candidates, while encouraging consensus arrangements where aspirants willingly agree.
Although consensus was reportedly achieved in some constituencies, several aspirants declined appeals from party leaders to step down, resulting in keenly contested primaries in many areas.
Three aspirants are expected to emerge unopposed if there are no last-minute changes. They include Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, in Agege Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker Fuad Laguda in Surulere I, and Benjamin Olabinjo in Ifako-Ijaiye.
In Ikeja Federal Constituency, the state convener of the Renewed Hope Network, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, is expected to face Olufunke Hassan.
Similarly, Hon. Jimi Benson, who has represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency since 2015, will contest against Olugbenga Shittu.
In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, incumbent lawmaker Paul Kalejaiye is set to battle former federal lawmaker Kolawole Taiwo.
Mushin Constituency II is also expected to witness a competitive contest, with former Lagos commissioner and immediate past APC spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, challenging incumbent Hon. Toyin Fayinka.
In Mushin I, incumbent lawmaker Adeyemi Alli will contest against Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.
One of the most competitive contests is expected in Oshodi-Isolo, where 16 aspirants are seeking two House of Representatives tickets.
In Oshodi-Isolo I, contenders include former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, alongside Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako and several others.
For Oshodi-Isolo II, the race features Dr Olayinka AbdulRasheed Alausa, nephew of Nigeria’s Minister of Education, former lawmaker Ganiyu Johnson, former commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan, and other aspirants.
Ten aspirants are also contesting the two Lagos Island constituencies, including caucus chairman Dolapo Badru and former federal lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro.
Other constituencies expected to witness intense contests include Lagos Mainland, Alimosho, Somolu, Kosofe, Epe, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa and Apapa, where several incumbents are facing strong opposition from fellow party members.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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