By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos, Nigeria — As the dust settles on the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries screening for the upcoming 2025 local government elections in Eti-Osa West, political tongues are wagging over the surprising performance scores — and the likely emergence of a female frontrunner, Omoba Adeola A.
The screening, held at the APC Secretariat in Acme, Ikeja, culminated in the public release of performance scores on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Of the seven aspirants who underwent what party officials described as a “rigorous evaluation process,” Adeola, the sole female contender, emerged with the highest score: 78.1% — ahead of her male counterparts.
Adeola currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Eti-Osa West and has worked under the outgoing chairman, Hon. Saheed Adesegun Bankole, for nearly eight years. This, according to anonymous party sources, positions her not only as the most experienced aspirant but also as a potential consensus candidate among the local political elite.
“In a party that champions inclusiveness and capacity, Adeola’s combination of experience, composure, and grassroots mobilization could tilt the decision in her favor,” said a senior APC stakeholder in Eti-Osa West who asked not to be named.
The Scores Tell a Story
Following closely behind Adeola is Badiru Murisiq I., who scored 72.6% and is considered a formidable contender, with strong backing from youth groups and business stakeholders in Ajiran, Gbara, Mayegun, Okun Alfa, and Jakande.
Tied at 65.9% are Fadipe Adekunle I. and Odueyungbo Thompson, while Elegushi Sherif scored 63.5%, and Yekinni Wasiu B. scored 63.4%.
Only one aspirant, Balogun Ademola, was disqualified for failing to present a Permanent Voter Card (PVC). The remaining six were declared successful and cleared for the next phase of the party’s internal selection process.
However, political analysts suggest the final decision may transcend performance scores.
“This is more than a test score situation — it’s political calculus. The APC may be looking at gender balance, continuity, and strategic loyalty. Adeola ticks many of those boxes,” said Taiwo Olaosebikan, a Lagos-based political analyst and journalist.
A Test for APC’s Gender Sensitivity
Should Adeola clinch the party’s ticket, she would become the first female chairmanship candidate in Eti-Osa West, providing a litmus test for the APC’s commitment to gender inclusion — a move that could resonate with a youth-driven electorate increasingly attuned to leadership diversity.
Yet, dissenting voices remain. Some party insiders argue that Adeola’s performance margin was slim and that the party should prioritize innovation and fresh energy over incumbency and loyalty. Others allege that the race may be skewed in her favor by powerful figures within the Lagos APC hierarchy.
The Bigger Picture in Eti-Osa West
Eti-Osa West is one of Lagos State’s most economically strategic local councils, encompassing affluent neighborhoods such as Lekki, Chevron, VGC, Jakande, and parts of Ajah. It serves as a revenue-generating hub with growing infrastructural needs, population pressures, and rising security concerns.
“Whoever wins the ticket must be prepared for governance, not just politics,” said Mr. Surajudeen Salaudeen, a community leader in Jakande Estate. “We want transparency, road repairs, youth employment, and housing solutions.”
With the APC set to announce its final list of candidates in the coming weeks, the primaries in Eti-Osa West will be closely observed as a microcosm of Lagos politics — where gender, grassroots clout, and elite interests collide in a high-stakes political contest.
