APC Lagos Council Primaries: Five Incumbent Chairmen Lose Re-election Bids Amid Fierce Contest

The recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for the forthcoming Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections in Lagos State have shaken the political landscape, as five incumbent chairmen failed to secure their re-election tickets. The primaries, held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, were marked by intense competition, political intrigues, and notable upsets.

According to official results released by the APC Electoral Committee, five sitting chairmen from Coker Aguda, Agbado Oke-Odo, Onigbongbo, Ayobo Ipaja, and Eti-Osa East LCDAs were defeated by their challengers, signaling a shift in local political dynamics within the ruling party in the state.

In Coker Aguda LCDA, Chairman Rasak Olamilekan was unseated by Azeez Ogidan, a grassroots mobilizer and one-time party youth leader. Ogidan’s campaign, which focused on youth inclusion and better service delivery, resonated with delegates and party members who had grown disillusioned with the incumbent’s leadership.

Oladapo Famuyiwa, the outgoing chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, lost his bid for a second term to Jimoh Ishola. Ishola, a seasoned political strategist, had built a coalition of support from influential party stakeholders and community leaders, enabling him to win by a comfortable margin.

In Onigbongbo LCDA, Rakiat Hassan faced a tough challenge from Moyo Adebanjo, who ultimately emerged victorious. Adebanjo’s campaign focused on transparency, improved community engagement, and infrastructural development, drawing widespread support.

Ladi Oluwaloni of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA was narrowly edged out by Abiodun Agbaje, whose candidacy reportedly received strong backing from former lawmaker Bisi Yusuf. Yusuf’s influence in the area was instrumental in swaying the primaries in Agbaje’s favor, highlighting the ongoing relevance of political godfatherism in Lagos politics.

The Eti-Osa East LCDA saw a dramatic reversal of political fortunes as John Ogundare was defeated by his predecessor, Samson Agunbiade. Agunbiade, who had lost to Ogundare in the previous election cycle, mounted a successful comeback campaign that emphasized unfinished projects and a renewed vision for development in the area.

In total, the primaries produced 55 candidates across the 57 local government areas of Lagos State. Notably, four candidates emerged through a consensus arrangement, a practice endorsed by the party to reduce internal friction and foster unity.

Babatunde Ogala, Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, announced the results at the party secretariat in Ikeja, praising the process as transparent and reflective of the party’s commitment to internal democracy. Ogala emphasized that the primaries were conducted in line with party guidelines and urged aggrieved aspirants to utilize the official appeals mechanism rather than resort to disruptive actions.

Despite Ogala’s reassurances, reports of protests and dissatisfaction emerged in some quarters, with a few aspirants alleging manipulation and bias in the process. The APC leadership has since appealed for calm, reiterating its readiness to address any legitimate grievances in accordance with party protocols.

The results from the primaries are expected to have far-reaching implications for the upcoming council elections, as the APC aims to maintain its dominance at the grassroots level in Lagos State. Political analysts predict an energized race ahead, with both new and returning candidates eager to prove their mettle and secure the mandate of the people.