By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
NINETY-one aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have entered a fierce contest for the party’s House of Representatives tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, as internal primaries intensify across the state’s 24 federal constituencies.
The primaries, expected to produce candidates across Lagos State, will be conducted through direct voting in most of the 245 wards, following the screening and clearance of all aspirants by the party’s selection committee.
The development comes as consensus arrangements reportedly collapsed in several constituencies, while a few others were successfully resolved ahead of the exercise.
Political activities within the Lagos APC were said to have peaked on Thursday as serving lawmakers, former commissioners, ex-council chairmen, former legislators and key party stakeholders jostled for the tickets.
Party insiders noted that although reconciliation talks were held in several constituencies, a number of aspirants resisted pressure to step down, insisting on testing their popularity at the polls.
However, consensus produced three unopposed candidates, including the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who emerged for Agege Federal Constituency, alongside incumbent Fuad Laguda and Benjamin Olabinjo.
In Ikorodu Federal Constituency, incumbent Jimi Benson will face Olugbenga Shittu, while in Ikeja Federal Constituency, sitting lawmaker James Faleke is set to contest against Olufunke Hassan.
The Lagos Island II contest is expected to draw significant attention as incumbent Kayode Akiolu goes up against former Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, as well as Saheed Salawe and Oluwatobilola Martins-Fregene.
In Apapa Federal Constituency, incumbent Mufutau Egberoungbe will battle former council chairman Funmilayo Muhhamed, Samuel Adesola Adebayo and Abullateef Aloba. Kosofe will see incumbent Kafilat Ogbara face former council chairmen Yetunde Arobieke and Dele Osinowo, alongside Remi Odunsi and Aina Olayinka.
The Oshodi-Isolo axis is expected to witness one of the most competitive races, with 16 aspirants vying for two seats. For Oshodi-Isolo I, contenders include former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, Abayomi Fasanya, Taiwo Ayedun, Bashiru Dawodu, Lawrence Olanrewaju Iyere, Ndubisi Okwara and Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako.
Oshodi-Isolo II will see former House of Representatives member Ganiyu Johnson contesting alongside former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, among others.
In Eti-Osa, former council chairmen Rasheedat Adu and Fuad Lawal are in the race with John Ogundara, Tosin Wahab and Opeyemi Abodunrin.
The Mushin constituencies will also witness keen battles, as Mushin II pits former APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, against incumbent Toyin Fayinka, while Mushin I will see incumbent Adeyemi Alli challenge Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.
In Alimosho, incumbent Ganiyu Ayuba faces competition from former Commissioner for Tourism, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Olabisi Adebanjo, Olabode Adebisi and Babatunde Fatuade.
Somolu Federal Constituency is expected to produce another high-stakes contest involving former ALGON National Chairman Kolade Alabi, former Somolu council chairman Abdul-Hammed Salawu, former lawmaker Rotimi Olowo and Mojisola Kassim.
In Ajeromi-Ifelodun, incumbent Paul Kalejaiye will square off against former representative Kolawole Taiwo. Ojo Federal Constituency will see former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, contest against Wale Williams, while Surulere II features Lanre Okunola and Aremu Olalekan.
Epe Federal Constituency includes incumbent Wale Raji, Saidat Oladundoye, Wale Anomo, Ademola Amure and Bakare Isiaka. In Lagos Mainland, incumbent Lanre Oshun will battle Omolola Essien, Sunday Sawyer, Olushola Olorunleke, Omolaja Animashaun, Olatokunbo Oluwole and Adekunle Omolaja.
Badagry Federal Constituency will see Sesi Whingan contest against Olusegun Adeniran and Olufemi Ogunsanya, while Ibeju-Lekki features Adebayo Balogun, Lukman Akinsanya and Delaja Oladipupo.
In Lagos Island I and II, ten aspirants are also in contention. Lagos Island I features Chairman of the Lagos House of Representatives Caucus, Dolapo Badru, former lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro, Toyese Olusi, Muyiwa Ajayi-Bembe, Ayodele Oluseye and Yusuf Adekunle.
