By The Merit Newspaper Reporter
Lagos — Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents of Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have urged a former Chairman of the council, Hon. Saheed Adesegun Bankole, to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Eti-Osa Constituency I in the 2027 general election.
During a visit by The Merit Newspaper to several communities within the constituency on Friday, January 2, 2026, residents described Bankole as a seasoned grassroots politician whose experience in local governance qualifies him for higher legislative responsibility.
Many of the respondents cited his tenure as council chairman as one marked by accessibility, community engagement, and practical governance, arguing that these qualities would translate into effective representation at the state legislature.
Speaking with The Merit Newspaper, Mrs. Kafilat Mayegun, a resident, said Bankole’s background in governance would be an advantage if elected.
“Hon. Bankole has gathered enough experience from grassroots administration. If elected, he will be able to sponsor and push bills that will directly favour Eti-Osa Constituency I. He understands our challenges,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Abdul Rahman Eshinlokun from Ado-Badore expressed confidence in Bankole’s political capacity, noting that his contributions to the development of Eti-Osa Local Government remain visible.
“I will be happy to see him represent us at the Lagos State House of Assembly. His political experience and the impact he made as council chairman will be a strong advantage if APC gives him the ticket,” Eshinlokun said.
At Jakande Housing Estate, Lekki, a trader, Miss Mary Toluwalashe, described Bankole as a leader with an uncommon listening ability, which she believes is lacking among many politicians.
“One thing I know about Hon. Bankole is that he listens. He has listening ears, and that is very important in leadership. If he becomes our candidate in 2027, I believe he will carry the people along,” she said.
At the bustling Ajah Market, Mr. John Osita, an Igbo trader, admitted he had not met Bankole personally but said his reputation had reached beyond ethnic lines.
“I have never met him face-to-face, but we hear about his good governance. Even among the Igbo traders here in Ajah, his name is mentioned positively,” Osita noted.
Political Background
Hon. Saheed Adesegun Bankole previously served as Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, where he was known for community-based initiatives, youth engagement, and infrastructural interventions aimed at improving local administration. His tenure reportedly strengthened party structures within the local government and enhanced collaboration between elected officials and traditional stakeholders.
An APC leader from Eti-Osa Local Government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Bankole’s politics has always been people-centred, noting that his humanitarian gestures and responsive governance endeared him to residents at the grassroots level.
A state-level APC chieftain, also speaking anonymously, described Bankole as a leader whose record of compassionate governance and quiet interventions in community welfare have earned him trust across political, ethnic and social divides.
Observers within the APC believe that his experience at the executive level of local governance positions him well for legislative duties, particularly in constituency representation, lawmaking, and oversight.
Although Bankole has not officially declared his intention to contest, the growing calls from party members and residents are seen as an early sign of political momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
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As Lagos politics gradually warms up, Eti-Osa Constituency I is expected to remain a highly competitive district, with party stakeholders closely watching developments within the APC and other political parties.
