Oni, Sobanke Emerge from Parallel APC Primaries
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a dramatic development ahead of the local government elections, two separate candidates have emerged as winners of parallel All Progressives Congress (APC) councilorship primaries held for Ward B (Shangisha/Magodo) in the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Hon. Ganiu Oni, the incumbent councillor representing the ward, was officially declared winner of the APC primary election held on May 10 through a delegate voting process. The exercise, reportedly backed by the incumbent LCDA Chairman, Princess Samiat Bada, was described as peaceful and orderly. Speaking after his victory, Hon. Oni commended the conduct of the election and called for unity among party members as the general local government polls approach.
However, a parallel primary reportedly organized by loyalists of Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, produced another candidate, Hon. Ayoola Sobanke, as winner for the same councilorship seat.
The emergence of two contenders from different factions within the party has raised concerns of internal conflict, with stakeholders warning of possible legal and political disputes if the situation is not resolved before the election.
As of press time, the APC leadership in Lagos State has yet to issue an official statement addressing the parallel primaries or clarifying the party’s recognized candidate for Ward B.