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 House of Representatives candidate.
The stakeholders insisted that internal democracy must be maintained, emphasizing that no one should be given preference over the official party primary.
According to reports, leaders of the APC’s Lagos Mainland branch 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 adhering strictly 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 Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.
Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, the current lawmaker; Rasheedat Omolola Essien, a former council chairman; Kazeem K. Omolaja; and Mr. Sawyer were the four candidates that took part in the process.
According to the exercise’s results, Oshun received eight votes, Essien received 26, and Omolaja received 44 out of 82 delegates. Two ballots were void, and Sawyer was unable to obtain any legal votes.
“No Agreement by Consensus”—Party Source
Party stakeholders stressed that the shadow election did not take the place of the officially recognized APC primary, regardless of its results.
The party has stated unequivocally that a consensus agreement will not be reached. According to a party source cited in Daily Trust, “Every candidate must test their popularity at the primary.”
The development reportedly coincides with the escalating controversy surrounding the incumbent’s and other candidates’ candidacies.
After serving as a legislator for almost 20 years, Oshun is reportedly under growing pressure from the constituency, with some stakeholders doubting his ability to pursue his goals.
Essien, who has over 20 years of public service experience and was the chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government for eight years, has officially announced her interest in the position.
Party members have been talking about her ambition, especially in relation to the problem of generational leadership succession.
In the meantime, any attempt to force a consensus candidate on the constituency has been rejected by Ebute-Metta (West) inhabitants under the Lagos Mainland (West) platform.
The group urged party leaders to guarantee justice and equal opportunity for all candidates throughout the primary process in a statement calling for a level playing field.
The organization also denounced what it called the Ebute-Metta (West) axis’ long-standing political marginalization.
They claim that although the region has contributed to electoral successes since 1999, it has not generated an elected representative or profited from important political appointments.
They urged the Lagos State Government and other state and federal party leaders to rectify the disparity and encourage inclusivity within the party hierarchy.
