Party Weighs Fresh Faces as Constituents Complain of Poor Representation
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS — Strong indications have emerged that influential leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State are quietly backing a major political reshuffle ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections, particularly targeting lawmakers who have spent two or three consecutive terms in the Assembly.
Investigations by The Merit Newspaper revealed that several party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots coordinators across different constituencies are mounting pressure on long-serving lawmakers to step aside in favour of fresh candidates believed to be more connected to the people at the grassroots level.
The development, according to party insiders, is part of a broader internal strategy aimed at restoring confidence in the party’s grassroots structure and addressing growing complaints from constituents over what many described as “poor representation,” “inaccessibility,” and “absence of visible constituency impact” by some lawmakers.
Reliable sources within the Lagos APC disclosed that although some serving lawmakers have already purchased nomination forms and begun consultations for re-election bids, support from major party leaders may no longer be guaranteed, especially in constituencies where party members have openly rejected the return of incumbents.
According to findings, party leaders are particularly concerned about the increasing dissatisfaction among youths, women, and community stakeholders who believe some lawmakers have become politically distant from the people after spending years in office.
“There is a serious movement for political renewal within the party,” a senior APC chieftain familiar with the consultations told The Merit Newspaper under anonymity. “The leadership is listening to the complaints coming from the wards and local government structures. In many constituencies, party members are demanding fresh candidates who can reconnect with the grassroots.”
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The source added that the leadership of the party is currently reviewing reports from different constituencies to determine which lawmakers still enjoy public acceptance and which ones may be denied strategic backing during the primaries.
“In some areas, the backlash is very intense,” the source said. “Party members are saying their representatives disappeared after elections and only returned because another election is approaching. The leaders cannot ignore such sentiments.”
The internal tension is reportedly more visible in constituencies where lawmakers have spent close to eight or twelve years in the Assembly, with many party loyalists insisting that extended stays in office have weakened political inclusiveness and blocked opportunities for younger aspirants.
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Political observers believe the growing agitation reflects a wider demand for generational change within Lagos politics, particularly among young APC members seeking greater participation in governance and legislative representation.
One constituency already attracting attention is Surulere Constituency I, where growing support is building around Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, a former aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Odunuga-Bakare recently resigned from her government position amid speculations that she may contest for the Assembly seat currently occupied by actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliott, who is believed to be interested in another term.
Her emergence has reportedly energized youths and women groups within the constituency, many of whom argue that Surulere deserves a new direction and more responsive representation.
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“We respect those who have served before, but politics should not become a permanent occupation,” a female APC mobilizer in Surulere told The Merit Newspaper. “The people want leaders who are visible, accessible, and connected to the daily struggles of ordinary residents.”
Findings further revealed that consultations are still ongoing within the APC hierarchy regarding lawmakers considered to have performed well in their constituencies. Some influential leaders are said to be pleading on behalf of certain incumbents whom they believe still maintain strong grassroots structures and effective constituency engagement.
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A member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), who spoke confidentially, hinted that exceptions may be considered for lawmakers with “visible achievements, strong loyalty to the party, and continued acceptance by constituents.”
“The final decisions will depend heavily on feedback from the grassroots,” the source explained. “Where the people insist on change, it may be difficult for leaders to impose continuity.”
Analysts say the unfolding development may trigger some of the fiercest APC primary battles Lagos has witnessed in recent years, as younger aspirants, technocrats, women, and former government appointees position themselves to benefit from the growing anti-incumbency sentiment within the party.
The situation also reflects a changing political culture within Lagos APC, where performance, accessibility, and grassroots engagement are increasingly becoming major considerations ahead of elections.
As the 2027 political season gradually gathers momentum, many constituencies across Lagos are expected to witness intense lobbying, negotiations, and realignments as incumbents fight to retain their seats while emerging aspirants push for a new political order.
For now, one message appears to be resonating across several APC strongholds in Lagos: many party members want renewal, and the battle over who represents the party in 2027 may ultimately be decided not only by political influence, but by the voice of the grassroots.
