Former Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, popularly known as “Bibire,” has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I.
He defeated incumbent lawmaker, Stephen Ogundipe, during the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly poll.
The primary election took place at the Legislative Hall of the Oshodi Local Government Secretariat in Lagos. Party leaders, delegates, and supporters attended the exercise in large numbers.
Ward-by-ward results showed Alakija leading comfortably in most parts of the constituency.
In Bolade D1 Ward, he secured 3,121 votes. Ogundipe polled 1,110 votes.
Alakija recorded his biggest victory in Orile Oshodi D2 Ward. He polled 4,352 votes, while Ogundipe managed only 12 votes.
At Mafoluku D3 Ward, Alakija scored 2,102 votes against Ogundipe’s 166 votes.
The contest was closer in Shogunle E1 Ward. Alakija received 484 votes, while the incumbent lawmaker secured 371 votes.
In Alasia Shogunle E2 Ward, Alakija polled 455 votes. Ogundipe got 78 votes.
At the end of the collation, Alakija emerged with 12,251 votes. Ogundipe finished with 1,737 votes.
Another aspirant, Abiodun Orija, withdrew from the race before voting began.
He later directed his supporters to back Alakija. Political observers said the move strengthened Alakija’s chances in the contest.
The APC Returning Officer, Prince Adesanya Omoloja, later declared Alakija as the duly elected candidate of the party.
The announcement triggered celebrations at the venue. Supporters chanted slogans and praised Alakija’s grassroots popularity.
Party leaders also commended the peaceful conduct of the primary election. They urged members to remain united ahead of the general election.
According to them, unity within the APC would be important in retaining the constituency in 2027.
In his acceptance speech, Alakija thanked party leaders, delegates, women, youths, and supporters for their confidence in him.
He also praised other aspirants for participating in what he described as a democratic process.
“Now that the primary election is over, this is the time for unity, reconciliation, and consolidation as we prepare for the general election ahead,” he said.
Alakija urged party members to place the interest of the APC and the constituency above personal ambition.
He also appreciated Orija for stepping down from the race. He commended Ogundipe for what he described as a healthy and democratic contest.
The APC candidate pledged to provide inclusive representation if elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.
