Oshodi-Isolo Emerges Major Battleground in Lagos APC Primaries
No fewer than 91 aspirants have been cleared to participate in Friday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary elections in Lagos State as the ruling party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aspirants will contest for the party’s 24 House of Representatives tickets across Lagos, with primaries expected to hold in the state’s 245 wards, except where consensus arrangements are reached.
Among those vying for the tickets are serving lawmakers, former members of the House of Representatives, ex-members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, former council chairmen and other prominent party stakeholders.
The APC in Lagos had earlier adopted the direct primary system for the exercise. The state chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, also encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus where possible to reduce tension within the party.
Despite efforts by party leaders to broker agreements in some constituencies, many aspirants reportedly rejected appeals to step down, setting the stage for intense contests in several areas across the state.
Three aspirants are currently expected to emerge unopposed if there are no last-minute changes. They include Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for Agege Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker Fuad Laguda in Surulere I, and Benjamin Olabinjo in Ifako-Ijaiye.
In Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke is expected to face Olufunke Hassan, while longtime Ikorodu lawmaker Jimi Benson will battle Olugbenga Shittu.
Ajeromi-Ifelodun is also expected to witness a fierce contest between incumbent federal lawmaker Paul Kalejaiye and former House of Representatives member Kolawole Taiwo.
In Mushin Constituency II, former Lagos commissioner and immediate past APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, will challenge incumbent lawmaker Toyin Fayinka.
Mushin I is expected to produce another closely watched contest involving incumbent lawmaker Adeyemi Alli, Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.
One of the biggest battles is expected in Oshodi-Isolo, where 16 aspirants are contesting for two House of Representatives tickets.
For Oshodi-Isolo I, the race includes former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, alongside Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako and other contenders.
In Oshodi-Isolo II, aspirants include Dr. Olayinka AbdulRasheed Alausa, former lawmaker Ganiyu Johnson, former commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan and others.
Ten aspirants are also contesting in the two Lagos Island constituencies, including caucus chairman Dolapo Badru and former federal lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro.
Several other constituencies, including Alimosho, Somolu, Kosofe, Epe, Eti-Osa, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin, are also expected to witness intense competition as incumbents face strong challenges from fellow party members ahead of the primaries.
