Lagos Assembly: Why New Aspirants Want Incumbent Seats

By Ebunoluwa Sessou

A quiet but significant shift is unfolding across Lagos State’s political landscape as a wave of new aspirants, many of them young, grassroots-driven and politically ambitious, are challenging sitting assembly members for tickets at the forthcoming All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries.

Read Also: 2027: ‘If I’ve erred in any way, I’m sorry’, Elliot begs Gbajabiamila

The constituencies at the centre of these unfolding contests include Agege Constituency I, Alimosho Constituency I, Ikeja Constituency I, Lagos Island Constituency I, Lagos Mainland Constituency II, Mushin Constituency I, Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I, Somolu Constituency II, Ikorodu Constituency I, Kosofe Constituency I, Kosofe Constituency II, Ojo Constituency II, Surulere Constituency I and Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I, a spread that cuts across major political blocs in the state.

Cracks in traditional strongholds

In Agege Constituency I, the race has intensified following the decision of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives, effectively opening up the field. Aspirants such as Oluwagbemiga Abiola and Mariam Ilerika are already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested primary.

A similar generational push is visible in Alimosho Constituency I, where journalist and entrepreneur Oluwanifemi Kazeem has declared her ambition, setting up a potential showdown with incumbent Lukman Orelope.

Her entry reflects a growing trend of professionals stepping into elective politics with reform-driven narratives.

However, Oluwanifemi Kazeem has withdrawn her intention to contest in the constituency 1. But, there are other contenders including Yusuf Adisa and Aroguma Afolabi that will slug it out with the incumbent at the party primaries.

In Ikeja Constituency I, Oyinda Adegoke is also seeking to unseat the incumbent, Seyi Lawal, while in Lagos Mainland Constituency II, Akinwunmi Oluwaseyi is mounting a determined challenge against Adebola Shabi. Lagos Island Constituency I is also witnessing increased interest, with Princess Lara Oyekan Olumegbon joining the race alongside other aspirants.

Grassroots battles and rising tensions

In Mushin Constituency I, Owoeye Adeyemo’s entry into the race against Prince Nureni Akinsanya has drawn attention, particularly due to his reported backing from influential party stakeholders, including former Deputy Speaker Funmilayo Tejuosho. His growing support base signals a potentially tough primary battle.

Other contenders include Bunmi Obakoya, Mabinuori Olalekan and Stephen Babatunde. In Mushin Constituency II, the incumbent lawmaker, Olayinka Kazeem, will slug it out with another major contender, Arogun Oluwarotimi.

The contest in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency I has, however, taken a more dramatic turn, with accusations and counter-accusations between aspirants. Olumoh Lukman has threatened to expose alleged corruption in a former administration, while Shuaib Ajidagba (Ajifat) has fired back, branding him a betrayer and welcoming any probe. The escalating rhetoric underscores the high stakes involved.

Elsewhere, in Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, Adewale Ojeleye is challenging Temitope Adewale, while in Somolu Constituency II, Moruf Alli-Balogun is squaring up against incumbent Samuel Apata in what observers describe as a tight contest.

Youth versus experience narrative

In Kosofe Constituency II, the race between APC Youth Leader Muritala Seriki and incumbent Femi Saheed reflects a broader “youth versus experience” narrative playing out across the state. While Saheed banks on legislative experience, Seriki’s grassroots mobilisation and party structure may prove decisive.

Also, on the Lagos Assembly politics, similar dynamic is unfolding in Ojo Constituency II, where incumbent Suraj Olatunji (Emir) faces a challenge from Ibrahim Adefolarin Durosimi. While Emir offers continuity, Durosimi is campaigning on youthfulness and digital competence.

In Kosofe Constituency I, Benson Adepoju is contesting against Sanni Okanlawon (OKLA), while Ayoyinka Ogbe is challenging Gbolahan Ogunleye in Ikorodu Constituency I.

Surulere: Epicentre of resistance

Perhaps the most intense political battle is shaping up in Surulere Constituency I, where incumbent Desmond Elliott is facing mounting opposition to his bid for a fourth term.

Multiple aspirants, including Barakat Adenuga-Bakare and Khadijat Kareem Omotayo, have emerged, both enjoying considerable grassroots support. Adenuga-Bakare is believed to have the backing of key political figures, including Femi Gbajabiamila, while Omotayo’s constituency engagement efforts have earned her visibility among residents.

Desmond Elliott is banking on the experience he has gathered over 12 years as a lawmaker. He is depending on the support of his loyalists to secure the party ticket at the primaries, while Barakat is reportedly enjoying the backing of party heavyweights.

Adding to Elliott’s challenges are reports that some party leaders have allegedly been feeding influential figures, including Femi Gbajabiamila, with unfavourable reports, which may affect Elliott’s candidacy.

However, some concerned residents and loyal supporters of Elliott have continued to back his fourth-term ambition. According to them, the zoning of the speakership may favour Lagos Central and if he wins, he will be a very high ranking member.

According to former lawmaker Kabiru Lawal, if the governorship slot goes to Lagos East and the deputy governorship to Lagos West, then the assembly speakership position should naturally go to Lagos Central.

Lawal said: “God allowed me to serve in the Assembly and I understand how things are done there. Our leaders have selected the governor from the East, and from reliable sources, the deputy governor may emerge from the West. It is now time for the Speaker to come from the Central.”

“Even if it is not Desmond that eventually becomes Speaker, with the position God has placed him in today, coupled with his connections and influence; he is in a position to ensure the position comes to Surulere.”

“If we even forget about the