By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos — Calls for former Eti-Osa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Saheed Adesegun Bankole, to contest the Lagos State House of Assembly seat for Eti-Osa Constituency I in the 2027 general election have generated mixed reactions within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Supporters of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams, insist there is “no vacancy” and that he should be allowed to seek re-election.
Following an earlier report by The Merit Newspaper highlighting appeals from some APC members and residents urging Bankole to join the race, supporters of the sitting legislator took to social media with coordinated posts carrying the caption, “There is no vacancy in 2027.” They argue that the current representative should be given the opportunity to continue ongoing projects and legislative duties without internal opposition.
Several supporters also contacted the Editor-in-Chief of The Merit Newspaper, expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier coverage, which they described as unbalanced for focusing largely on voices sympathetic to Bankole.
In interviews, APC loyalists backing the incumbent emphasised the importance of continuity.
“Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams has ongoing projects that deserve completion. He should be allowed to continue his work without unnecessary distractions,” an APC chieftain in the constituency, who requested anonymity, said.
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Another supporter, Mr. Adekunle Ayelabeje, added: “Frequent leadership changes could disrupt legislative continuity. Our representative understands the workings of the Assembly and has built relationships that benefit the constituency. Experience matters.”
However, political observers and party stakeholders stress that the presence of an incumbent does not preclude democratic competition. Legislative seats, they note, are not exclusive preserves, and qualified party members have the right to seek elective office.
“There is no such thing as a ‘vacancy’ declaration in democracy. Elections are about choice. If the people prefer continuity, they will decide at the primaries and at the polls,” a senior APC member in Eti-Osa stated.
Supporters of Bankole emphasise that calls for him to contest should not be seen as hostility toward the incumbent but rather as a reflection of democratic engagement and the demand for broader representation.
“Democracy thrives on options. Asking someone with proven grassroots experience to contest does not disrespect the incumbent,” said Mrs. Kehinde Abogun, a resident of Eti-Osa. Bankole’s record as council chairman — marked by community engagement, youth inclusion, and local infrastructural projects — is cited as a reason he is viewed as a credible alternative, rather than a threat.
Political analysts also argue that while legislative tenures are legally unrestricted, long incumbencies raise moral and democratic questions, especially in constituencies with capable aspirants who could bring fresh ideas and renewed energy.
“Legislative offices may not have term limits like executive positions, but that does not mean constituencies must recycle the same leadership indefinitely,” a Lagos-based public affairs analyst observed.
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Despite the social media debates, Hon. Bankole has not formally declared his intention to run, while the incumbent has also yet to announce re-election plans.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the unfolding scenario in Eti-Osa Constituency I underscores a broader political debate within parties — between continuity and renewal, experience and competition. For now, APC stakeholders say the final decision should rest not on social media slogans, but on transparent party processes and the will of the electorate.
