A leading aspirant for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat, Olumide Kola-Lawal, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for the incumbent senator, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, following what he described as a consensus decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
Kola-Lawal, also known as OKL, announced his withdrawal during a press briefing in Apapa, Lagos, where he reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and pledged full support for Eshilokun ahead of the next general elections.
He explained that his decision was guided by party discipline and the need to prioritise unity within the APC, stressing that individual ambition must sometimes give way to collective political goals.
He also aligned himself with the ruling party’s broader political direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, urging supporters to remain committed to the party’s success.
Kola-Lawal noted that his campaign had involved extensive consultations across Lagos Central, including engagements with wards and grassroots stakeholders, which he said deepened his understanding of community needs.
Despite stepping down, he described the decision as a continuation of his service to the public rather than an end to his political involvement.
However, reactions among some APC youth members in the constituency were mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the party’s consensus arrangement. A few argued that Kola-Lawal had shown stronger grassroots engagement compared to the incumbent, while others insisted the party’s decision should be respected despite their reservations.
The development highlights ongoing tensions within local party structures in Lagos Central as the APC prepares for future elections.
