Lagos APC Primaries See Major Losses for Obasa Allies
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its primary elections across Lagos State. The results showed that several senior officers of the Lagos State House of Assembly did not secure return tickets.
Among those who lost their bids are Majority Leader Noheem Babatunde Adams (Eti‑osa Constituency I), Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Kasunmu, Chief Whip Fatai Mojeed (Ibeju‑Lekki Constituency I), and Deputy Chief Whip David Setonji. These lawmakers were key figures in the January 2025 leadership crisis that temporarily removed Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from office.
Desmond Elliott, the representative for Surulere I, also failed to clinch the APC ticket. His defeat came after a controversial primary in which Barakat Odunuga‑Bakare emerged victorious for Surulere Constituency I.
The primaries introduced a wave of new faces across various constituencies. Notable newcomers include Adeseyi Lawal (Ikeja Constituency I), Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti‑osa Constituency II), Mayowa Alakija, Toyin Gafar, Saheed Bankole, Saad Olumoh, and Rasheed Shabi.
Despite the widespread changes, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa demonstrated continued influence. He secured the APC nomination for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, and allies aligned with him won nominations in both Agege Assembly constituencies.
Some incumbents managed to retain their positions. Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda is expected to return for Apapa Constituency I after successfully gaining renomination, alongside several other lawmakers across the state.
Political analysts view the primary outcomes as a sign of a broader generational and structural recalibration within the Lagos APC. The shifts are expected to reshape power blocs in the House of Assembly, especially after the deep divisions exposed during the 2025 speakership crisis, and may play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2027 governorship succession battle in Lagos State.
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