A wave of new aspirants is challenging sitting assembly members for tickets at the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The constituencies at the centre of these contests include Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Surulere, among others.
In Agege Constituency I, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s decision to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives has opened up the field, with aspirants like Oluwagbemiga Abiola and Mariam Ilerika positioning themselves for the contest. In Alimosho Constituency I, journalist Oluwanifemi Kazeem had initially declared her ambition but has since withdrawn, leaving the field to other contenders like Yusuf Adisa and Aroguma Afolabi, who will face off with incumbent Lukman Orelope.
In Ikeja Constituency I, Oyinda Adegoke is seeking to unseat incumbent Seyi Lawal, while in Lagos Mainland Constituency II, Akinwunmi Oluwaseyi is mounting a challenge against Adebola Shabi. Lagos Island Constituency I is also witnessing increased interest, with Princess Lara Oyekan Olumegbon joining the race.
The contests are not limited to these constituencies, as other areas like Mushin, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Surulere are also experiencing intense battles. In Surulere Constituency I, incumbent Desmond Elliott is facing mounting opposition to his bid for a fourth term, with aspirants like Barakat Adenuga-Bakare and Khadijat Kareem Omotayo emerging as strong contenders.
The surge of new aspirants is seen as part of a broader strategy within the APC to refresh its legislative ranks and strengthen governance ahead of the next political cycle. With 167 aspirants vying for 40 seats, the primaries are expected to be fiercely contested.
The speakership position is also a point of interest, with a resolution passed at the 10th Assembly that the longest-serving lawmaker should be allowed to occupy the position. If implemented, this could shape the leadership contest in the Assembly.
As the primaries approach, popularity, grassroots connection, and political alliances will be put to the test. For many incumbents, the battle ahead may prove to be their toughest yet.
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