Ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Mainland has rejected moves to grant an automatic ticket to the incumbent, insisting that all aspirants must participate in an open primary to determine the party’s flagbearer for the House of Representatives.
Political stakeholders within the Lagos Mainland chapter of the APC reaffirmed that there is no faction within the party, emphasizing unity while calling for strict adherence to internal democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
The position follows recent political activities by a group known as Mainland Voice (MV), which conducted a shadow primary to gauge support among aspirants vying for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Four aspirants featured in the exercise, including the incumbent lawmaker, Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun; former council chairman, Rasheedat Omolola Essien; Hon. Kazeem K. Omolaja; and Mr. Sawyer.
Results from the shadow exercise showed Omolaja polling 44 votes out of 82 delegates, while Essien secured 26 votes and Oshun recorded eight votes. Sawyer did not secure any valid vote, with two ballots voided.
Despite the outcome, party stakeholders stressed that the exercise does not replace the officially recognised party primary, noting that the APC leadership has directed all aspirants to contest through a transparent process.
“The party has made it clear that there will be no consensus arrangement. Every aspirant must test their popularity at the primary,” a party source stated.
The development comes amid growing debate over the candidacy of both the incumbent and the former council boss.
Oshun, who has spent about two decades in legislative representation, is said to be facing mounting pressure from within the constituency, with some stakeholders questioning his continued bid.
On her part, Essien, a former chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government who served for eight years and has over two decades of public service experience, has also declared interest in the House of Representatives seat.
Her ambition has generated discussions among party members, particularly regarding generational leadership transition.
Meanwhile, residents of Ebute-Metta (West), under the Lagos Mainland (West) platform, have also rejected any attempt to impose a consensus candidate.
In a recent statement, the group called for a level playing field, urging the party leadership to ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity during the primary process.
The group further decried what it described as longstanding political marginalisation of the Ebute-Metta (West) axis, noting that since 1999, the area has neither produced an elected representative nor secured significant political appointments despite its electoral contributions.
They appealed to party leaders at the state and national levels, as well as the Governor of Lagos State, to address the imbalance and promote inclusiveness within the party’s structure.
As political alignments intensify, the insistence on open primaries is seen as a critical step in managing internal competition and sustaining cohesion within the APC in Lagos Mainland ahead of 2027.