APC Lagos Mainland Insists on Open Primaries Ahead of 2027 Elections
Stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland have rejected calls to grant an automatic ticket to the incumbent lawmaker for the House of Representatives, insisting that all aspirants must contest through an open and transparent primary.
The position was reaffirmed by political leaders in the Lagos Mainland chapter, who stressed that the party remains united and committed to internal democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement follows a recent shadow primary organised by a group called Mainland Voice (MV), which sought to gauge support among aspirants for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat. Four candidates participated, including the incumbent Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, former council chairman Rasheedat Omolola Essien, Hon. Kazeem K. Omolaja, and Mr. Sawyer.
Results from the shadow exercise showed Omolaja leading with 44 votes from 82 delegates, Essien receiving 26 votes, Oshun securing eight votes, while Sawyer recorded none, with two ballots voided.
Despite the outcome, party stakeholders emphasised that the exercise does not replace the official primary, noting that the APC leadership has directed all aspirants to compete fairly. “The party has made it clear that there will be no consensus arrangement. Every aspirant must test their popularity at the primary,” a source within the party stated.
The debate over candidacy reflects growing discussions around generational leadership and representation. Oshun, a veteran lawmaker with nearly 20 years in office, faces pressure from some party members questioning his continued tenure. Meanwhile, Essien, with extensive public service experience including eight years as Lagos Mainland Local Government chairman, has also declared her interest in the seat.
Residents of Ebute-Metta (West) have similarly rejected any attempt to impose a consensus candidate, calling for a level playing field. They highlighted the area’s historical marginalisation, noting that since 1999 it has neither produced an elected representative nor secured significant political appointments despite its contributions to the constituency.
As political alignments take shape ahead of 2027, the insistence on open primaries is seen as crucial to managing competition, ensuring fairness, and maintaining unity within the APC in Lagos Mainland.
