Segun Atanda/
The race for the 2027 House of Representatives tickets of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress reached fever pitch on Saturday as party heavyweights, former council chairmen, lawmakers, political loyalists and even a Nollywood actress squared up for what promises to be one of the fiercest intra-party contests in recent political history.
While some influential politicians coasted to the primaries unopposed, several constituencies emerged as political battlegrounds packed with high-profile contenders jostling for dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those returning unchallenged are former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who secured a smooth passage in Agege; incumbent lawmaker Fuad Kayode Laguda; and Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo.
Political observers, however, are focusing attention on the fiercest contests expected in Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu, where multiple power blocs are set for showdown battles.
Oshodi-Isolo emerged as the most crowded axis in the state with a combined 16 aspirants spread across its two federal constituencies. In Oshodi-Isolo I alone, Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako is battling an array of political gladiators, including former council chairmen and established grassroots mobilisers.
The constituency features aspirants such as Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, Bolaji Ariyoh, Abayomi Fasanya, Taiwo Ayedun, Bashiru Dawodu, Lawrence Olanrewaju Iyere and Ndubisi Okwara, setting the stage for an intense delegate war.
In Somolu, a four-way battle involving former ALGON National Chairman Kolade Alabi, former council chairman Abdul-Hammed Salawu, popularly known as Dullar, former lawmaker Rotimi Olowo and Mojisola Kassim is already generating political tension within party circles.
Another major clash is unfolding in Mushin II, where APC State Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo is locked in a straight fight with Toyin Fayinka.
Elsewhere, several serving and former political office holders are also battling for tickets across the state.
In Ikeja, incumbent federal lawmaker James Faleke faces a challenge from Olufunke Hassan, while in Ikorodu, Jimi Benson is contesting against Olugbenga Shittu.
Kosofe is witnessing another crowded contest involving incumbent lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara, former commissioner Yetunde Arobieke, Dele Osinowo, Remi Odunsi and Aina Olayinka.
The Lagos Island constituencies are also attracting keen interest. Lagos Island I features aspirants including Dolapo Badru, Ibrahim Obanikoro, Toyese Olusi and Muyiwa Ajayi-Bembe, while Lagos Island II has aspirants such as Kayode Akiolu, Sola Giwa, Saheed Salawe and Oluwatobilola Martins-Fregene.
In Eti-Osa, contenders include Rasheedat Adu, Fuad Lawal, John Ogundara, Tosin Wahab and Opeyemi Abodunrin, while Alimosho presents one of the broadest fields with five aspirants, including former commissioner Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf.
Political analysts say the primaries will test the strength of entrenched political structures, grassroots influence and alliances within the Lagos APC ahead of the larger battle for control of the state’s federal legislative seats in 2027.
With delegates preparing to decide the fate of dozens of aspirants, the stage appears set for dramatic contests capable of reshaping the political landscape of Lagos APC.
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