Stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland have rejected proposals to give any candidate an automatic ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, demanding that all candidates take part in an open primary to choose the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives.
The stakeholders insisted that internal democracy must be maintained and emphasized that no one should be given preference over the official party primary.
Leaders of the APC’s Lagos Mainland chapter reportedly rejected suggestions of factional fractures and reiterated the party’s unity in spite of continuing political activity.
As the 2027 election preparations gain traction, they emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to due process.
The stakeholders’ stance comes after a recent political exercise by an organization called Mainland Voice, which held a shadow primary to gauge the popularity of candidates running for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.
Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, the current lawmaker; Rasheedat Omolola Essien, the previous chairman of the council; Kazeem K. Omolaja; and Mr. Sawyer were the four candidates who took part in the process.
Out of 82 delegates, Omolaja received 44 votes, Essien received 26, and Oshun received eight, according to the exercise’s results. Due to the voiding of two ballots, Sawyer was unable to obtain any legitimate votes.
Party Source: “No Consensus Arrangement”
Party stakeholders stressed that the shadow election does not take the place of the officially recognized APC primary, regardless of the results.
“The party has stated unequivocally that a consensus agreement will not be reached. According to a party insider cited by Daily Trust, “Every candidate must test their popularity at the primary.”
According to reports, the development coincides with escalating controversy surrounding the incumbent’s and other candidates’ candidacies.
According to reports, Oshun, who has served as a legislator for about 20 years, is coming under more and more pressure from the constituency, with some stakeholders doubting his continued ambition.
Essien, a former eight-year chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government with more than twenty years of experience in public service, has formally shown interest in the position.
Party members have been talking about her ambition, especially in relation to the topic of generational leadership succession.
In the meantime, any attempt to force a consensus candidate on the constituency has also been rejected by Ebute-Metta (West) inhabitants under the Lagos Mainland (West) platform.
The group urged party leaders to provide justice and equal opportunity for all candidates throughout the primary process, calling for a level playing field in a statement.
The group also condemned the long-standing political marginalization of the Ebute-Metta (West) axis.
Despite its contributions to electoral successes, they claim that since 1999, the region has neither generated an elected representative nor profited from important political appointments.
They urged national and state party leaders, particularly the Lagos State Government, to rectify the disparity and encourage inclusivity within the party hierarchy.
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