In a significant build-up to the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State is bracing for an intense primary election for the House of Representatives, with as many as 91 cleared aspirants set to compete. The party’s screening committee has vetted these candidates, who will now vie for 24 tickets representing the state’s 245 electoral wards.
The roster of contestants includes a mix of current lawmakers, former House of Representatives members, ex-state legislators, past local government chairmen, and influential party figures. Given the high number of participants, direct primaries are anticipated across most wards, allowing party members to choose their preferred candidate directly.
Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, had previously indicated that the party would favor direct primaries, though consensus arrangements were encouraged where aspirants mutually agreed. In some constituencies, consensus was reportedly reached, but many aspirants rejected calls from party leaders to step down, leading to competitive races in several areas.
A few aspirants may run unopposed if no last-minute challengers emerge. These include Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who is seeking the Agege Federal Constituency ticket; incumbent Fuad Laguda in Surulere I; and Benjamin Olabinjo in Ifako-Ijaiye.
In Ikeja Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, the state convener of the Renewed Hope Network, will face Olufunke Hassan. Meanwhile, Hon. Jimi Benson, who has represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency since 2015, is set to compete against Olugbenga Shittu.
The Ajeromi-Ifelodun contest will pit incumbent Paul Kalejaiye against former federal lawmaker Kolawole Taiwo. In Mushin Constituency II, a closely watched race features former Lagos commissioner and ex-APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo challenging incumbent Hon. Toyin Fayinka. For Mushin I, incumbent Adeyemi Alli will battle Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.
One of the most crowded fields is in Oshodi-Isolo, where 16 aspirants are contending for two tickets. In Oshodi-Isolo I, the lineup includes former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, alongside Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako and others. For Oshodi-Isolo II, the race features Dr. Olayinka AbdulRasheed Alausa (nephew of Nigeria’s Education Minister), former lawmaker Ganiyu Johnson, ex-commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan, and others.
Ten aspirants are also competing in the two Lagos Island constituencies, including caucus chairman Dolapo Badru and former federal lawmaker Ibrahim Obanikoro. Other constituencies expected to see heated contests include Lagos Mainland, Alimosho, Somolu, Kosofe, Epe, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, where several incumbents face strong opposition from within the party.