Lagos APC Supporters Protest Alleged Alteration of Assembly Election Winner

Supporters of a Lagos lawmaker are demanding intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership regarding the party's House of Assembly ticket for Eti-Osa Constituency I. The appeal follows the release of the Lagos APC's candidate list, which names Saheed Bankole for the Eti-Osa Constituency I seat, contradicting the results of the party's primary election.

During the primary held in Ajah, incumbent lawmaker and Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Noheem Adams, reportedly secured 7,638 votes. His opponent, Saheed Bankole, received 1,225 votes. Election officials declared Mr. Adams the winner of the exercise, which was conducted across the constituency's wards.

However, the APC's final candidate list, published on May 25, identified Mr. Bankole as the party's nominee. Protesters, including members of the Noheem Adams Support Group, party faithfuls, community leaders, and youth and women groups, gathered at the Second Toll Gate area of Lekki to voice their opposition. They urged the party leadership to respect the outcome of the primary election.

Owolabi Yisa, speaking for the group, emphasized that party members clearly expressed their preference for Mr. Adams. He called on the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, to ensure the primary result is honored. The group argued that reversing the outcome could create divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting Mr. Adams' broad support across various demographics and his popularity stemming from years of representation, constituency projects, and resident engagement.

Amid the controversy, Lagos APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi stated that the published list represents the official outcome of the party's primaries. He clarified that the state chapter merely published results submitted by a committee appointed by the national leadership and had no role in altering them.

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The will of the people was clearly expressed. This was not a narrow victory and it was not a disputed mandate. It was an overwhelming endorsement by party members across Eti-Osa Constituency I.