Tension in Kosofe as Over 30 APC Aspirants Jostle for Tickets Ahead of May 10 Primaries
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The political atmosphere in Kosofe Federal Constituency is heating up as more than 30 aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have obtained expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the May 10 primary election scheduled across Lagos State’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
In Kosofe alone, the numbers highlight intense competition: 15 aspirants are vying for positions in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, 12 in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and 3 in Kosofe Local Government. Among them is a yet-to-be-named female aspirant whose entry has stirred speculation and heightened interest within political circles.
Observers and party insiders have described the surge in aspirants as a sign of deepening divisions within the APC’s local structure. Many attribute the situation to the absence of late Senator Bayo Osinowo, former Lagos East Senator, who was widely regarded as a unifying force capable of brokering consensus and managing internal conflicts. His death, analysts argue, has left a vacuum in leadership and conflict resolution.
Despite the apparent leadership gaps, Kosofe still parades several political heavyweights whose influence could shape the outcome of the primaries. These include former Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; member of the House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara; former Reps member, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye; and Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Yacoob Alebiosu.
Other notable figures include Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon (Kosofe Constituency 1), Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2), Audit Board Commissioner Hon. Musiliu Alade Aigoro, APC chieftain Otunba Bushira Alebiosu, Omoba Olumuyiwa Sosanya, and elder statesman Pa Steven Adeola.
Also playing key roles are APC state executives such as Hon. Abiodun Akhigbe, Youth Leader Dr. Murtala Seriki, Assistant State Secretary Hon. Jumoke Animaun, as well as former Lagos Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Yetunde Arobieke; former Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Chairman, Hon. Kunle Soname; former Executive Secretary, Hon. Afolabi Kazeem; and former Lagos Assembly Majority Leader, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye.
As the countdown to the primaries continues, political watchers are keen to see whether party leaders will succeed in brokering unity among aspirants or if the battle for APC’s grassroots leadership positions will be left to the ballot box.
All eyes are now on Kosofe as the May 10 primaries approach.