By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a surprising turn of events during the 2023 general elections, the once-solid stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kosofe Federal Constituency faced formidable challenges from relatively unknown political parties, shaking the foundation of the dominant narrative of one-party rule.
Traditionally perceived as an APC stronghold, Kosofe Federal Constituency witnessed an emergence of opposition forces, including the Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others. These parties, previously considered marginal in the constituency, mounted robust campaigns that tested the dominance of the ruling party.
Political observers noted significant shifts, attributing the unexpected competition to the emergence of dynamic personalities within the opposition ranks. Figures like Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, and local candidates such as Osikominu Akinwande (LP) and Lanre Carew (SDP) challenged APC candidates, signaling a departure from the perceived one-party narrative.
Samad Okunfuwa, a prominent member of the Labour Party, revealed the party’s intention to contest chairmanship positions in Kosofe’s Agboyi Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the forthcoming local government elections, further underscoring the growing political diversity in the region.
However, amidst the electoral shake-up, internal discord within the APC contributed to the party’s vulnerability. Some attributed the party’s near-loss of Assembly seats in Kosofe to internal strife, suggesting a failure in internal conflict resolution mechanisms and reconciliation efforts.
In the aftermath of the elections, tensions remained high as aggrieved members openly criticized certain APC leaders, highlighting deep-seated divisions within the party. As anticipation builds for the 2027 general elections, political gladiators have begun realigning their factions, further polarizing the political landscape in Kosofe beyond previous expectations.