BY BILESANMI ABAYOMI
The political atmosphere in Kosofe Federal Constituency has become increasingly tense following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, with the party’s candidate, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, moving ahead with preparations for the 2027 general election despite lingering questions over the outcome.
Oshinowo’s campaign team has begun announcing key members of its campaign structure, including a Director-General, directors and coordinators, less than 24 hours after incumbent lawmaker Hon. Kafilat Ogbara publicly questioned the outcome of the party’s primary.
The development has added another layer to the political disagreement within the constituency as the APC prepares for the 2027 election.
Ogbara Challenges Primary Outcome
The controversy followed comments by Ogbara, who represents Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, during a television programme in which she questioned the credibility of the primary results.
Ogbara alleged that the figures released did not correspond with the actual voting pattern, describing the outcome as having been “written by someone else.”
She also maintained that she retained significant grassroots support in the constituency.
“I won the numbers in my constituency during the primary elections, and I remain the person the people want,” Ogbara said.
The lawmaker said she was reviewing the situation while awaiting further direction from the APC leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Oshinowo Focuses on Campaign Machinery
While Ogbara’s comments have continued to generate reactions among party members and political stakeholders, Oshinowo has proceeded with the organisation of his campaign structure.
Rather than publicly engaging the allegations, the APC candidate has focused on putting his campaign team in place as the political calendar moves towards the 2027 elections.
The campaign’s early mobilisation has been interpreted by supporters as a sign that Oshinowo’s camp is treating his emergence as settled and preparing for the general election.
However, the development has also triggered debate among stakeholders over the need for reconciliation within the party, particularly given Ogbara’s public reservations about the primary.
Some party members have called for the APC leadership to address the disagreement and prevent the dispute from affecting the party’s chances in the constituency.
Party Unity in Focus
The disagreement has placed the APC’s internal cohesion in Kosofe under renewed scrutiny.
With the general election still ahead, attention is expected to remain on the party’s leadership and its ability to manage the competing interests within the constituency.
For the APC, resolving the dispute and presenting a united front could become crucial as the party begins full-scale mobilisation for the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Oshinowo’s campaign machinery is expected to expand its grassroots activities in the coming weeks, while stakeholders await further developments regarding Ogbara’s position and the party’s handling of the dispute.