Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos Mainland as party stakeholders insist on open primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, rejecting any attempt to impose a consensus candidate.
Party leaders in the constituency maintained that internal democracy must be upheld, stressing that all aspirants seeking to represent the area in the House of Representatives must go through a transparent and competitive primary process.
The stakeholders dismissed speculations of factional divisions within the party, reiterating that the APC in Lagos Mainland remains united despite heightened political activities.
They emphasised that due process must be strictly followed, warning against any arrangement that could undermine fairness or give undue advantage to any aspirant.
A party source was quoted as stating that there would be no automatic ticket for any candidate, adding that popularity must be tested through the party’s official primary election.
The development follows a recent “shadow primary” organised by a political group known as Mainland Voice to gauge the strength of aspirants.
Four contenders participated in the exercise, including incumbent lawmaker Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, former council chairman Rasheedat Omolola Essien, Kazeem K. Omolaja, and Mr Sawyer.
Results from the exercise showed Omolaja leading with 44 votes out of 82 delegates, followed by Essien with 26 votes, while Oshun secured eight votes. Sawyer did not record any valid vote.
However, party stakeholders clarified that the exercise does not replace the officially recognised APC primary.
The contest for the Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency seat is becoming increasingly competitive, with rising scrutiny of the incumbent’s long tenure and calls for fresh representation.
Essien’s declaration of interest has also intensified discussions around generational leadership and the need for broader participation within the party.
Meanwhile, residents of Ebute-Metta (West), under the Lagos Mainland (West) platform, have voiced strong opposition to any attempt to impose a candidate.
The group called for a level playing field and urged party leaders to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the selection process.
They also raised concerns over what they described as prolonged political marginalisation of their area, noting that since 1999, Ebute-Metta (West) has neither produced an elected representative nor benefited significantly from political appointments.
The stakeholders appealed to party leaders at both state and national levels to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the primary process reflects the will of party members.
Observers say the outcome of the APC primaries in Lagos Mainland could play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
