By Dansu Peter Tensions ran high over the weekend as the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its council primary elections across Lag...
By Dansu Peter
Tensions ran high over the weekend as the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its council primary elections across Lagos State’s 57 local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Amid scenes of suspense and intense political maneuvering, at least five incumbent chairmen failed to secure their party’s ticket for a second term.
The tightly contested primaries, held at the APC Secretariat in Ikeja, saw political upsets that signaled a shift in grassroots power dynamics. In Coker Aguda LCDA, Rasak Olamilekan was unseated by newcomer Azeez Ogidan. In Agbado-Oke Odo, Jimoh Ishola triumphed over sitting chairman Oladapo Famuyiwa. The Onigbongbo LCDA saw a return to relevance for Moyo Adebanjo, who defeated the incumbent Rakiat Hassan.
Similarly, the chairmanship of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA changed hands as Abiodun Agbaje, reportedly backed by APC stalwart and ex-lawmaker Bisi Yusuf, defeated Ladi Oluwaloni, who had taken over leadership after the passing of his predecessor. In Eti-Osa East LCDA, former chairman Samson Agunbiade staged a political comeback by unseating John Ogundare, the man who had previously defeated him.
The primaries also brought mixed fortunes for other political figures. Former Lagos lawmaker Yinka Ogundimu, who had hoped to use the Orile Agege LCDA chairmanship as a platform for a political resurgence, lost to Abiodun Akinola. Similarly, Ladi Balogun, General Manager of the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), failed in his bid to clinch the Ajeromi-Ifelodun ticket.
However, in Badagry, a familiar face emerged victorious. Former House of Representatives member Babatunde Hunpe secured the APC’s chairmanship ticket, signaling a potential new phase of leadership in the border town.
Announcing the results, chairman of the APC electoral committee, Babatunde Ogala, disclosed that four candidates emerged via consensus while 51 others were selected through competitive balloting. Those confirmed through consensus include Isa Jubril (Iba LCDA), Motunrayo Gbadebo (Ijede LCDA), Rasaq Kasali (Lekki LCDA), and Azeez Kareem (Otto Awori LCDA).
Among other notable winners across the state were Usman Hamzat (Ifako-Ijaiye LG), Hameed Aroyehun (Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA), Oluyemisi Rosiji (Ojokoro LCDA), Moyosore Ogunlewe (Kosofe LG), Olamilekan Akindipe (Ajeromi-Ifelodun LG), Suleiman Yusuf (Surulere LG), and Tola Oyedele (Agboyi-Ketu LCDA).
Other victorious candidates included Taoreed Taiwo (Ejigbo LCDA), Sanusi Ismail (Amuwo-Odofin LG), Muibat Rufia (Ojo LG), Taiwo Oyekan (Lagos Island LG), and Humpey Babatunde (Badagry LG), among several others listed by the committee.
While the process was largely peaceful, reports of protests and dissatisfaction emerged from some quarters. Ogala acknowledged that minor discrepancies may have occurred and urged aggrieved aspirants to file appeals with the party’s appeal committee. He emphasized that the outcomes could still be reviewed if compelling evidence was presented.
Ogala concluded by thanking delegates and stakeholders for their patience, assuring that the primary elections were conducted in the best interest of the APC and the people of Lagos State.
No comments