Researched By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
In a significant development leading up to the local government elections in Lagos State scheduled for July 12, 2025, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its chairmanship primaries across 55 of the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The primary exercise in Ikeja incorporated both consensus arrangements and competitive voting, establishing a politically charged environment for grassroots contests.
Notably, primaries were not conducted in Yaba and Mainland LCDAs due to ongoing litigation, which reflects existing factional disputes within the APC. Mr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN), Chairman of the party’s Electoral Committee, indicated that 1,539 delegates were anticipated, with 27 accredited individuals per council participating in the proceedings. Four candidates emerged unopposed via consensus, while 51 others engaged in contested elections.
The recent primary elections in Lagos highlighted pivotal figures in grassroots politics, including Prince Adedayo Ladega, Moyosore Ogunlewe (Kosofe LG), Lawal Jakande (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA), and Olufemi Okeowo (Ifelodun LCDA). Emerging candidates, such as Hameed Aroyehun (Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA) and Oluyemisi Rosiji (Ojokoro LCDA), suggest a transformation in the influence of traditional political families.
Key victors in the primaries included:
– Prince Adedayo Ladega (Ikorodu LG)
– Monsuru Ismail (Eredo LCDA)
– Kazeem Sulaiman (Ikorodu West)
– Sesan Olowa (Ibeju-Lekki LCDA)
– Akeem Dauda (Ikeja LG)
– Lawal Jakande (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA)
– Olusegun Odunmbaku (Ojodu)
– Babatunde Azeez (Agege LG)
– Bola Oladunjoye (Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA)
– Ibrahim Akinpelu (Alimosho LG)
– Jimoh Ishola (Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA)
However, some aspirants have raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Ogala acknowledged the presence of minor errors and encouraged all dissatisfied parties to utilize the APC Appeal Committee to voice their grievances.
Observers caution that unresolved disputes may contribute to factional divisions, potentially jeopardizing the APC’s standing prior to the upcoming elections in July.
Despite the range of candidates, several stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction, alleging procedural irregularities. Ogala admitted to potential “human errors” and reiterated the importance of addressing concerns through formal channels.
As the elections approach, it is imperative for the APC to foster unity and reassure the electorate regarding the legitimacy of its candidates.
The outcomes of these primaries hold significance beyond chairmanship positions, as they reflect control over the grassroots machinery essential for sustaining the party’s dominance in Lagos.
LaRoyal Global CommunityNews: 2025 © Edition.
