By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lawal Samusideen Adekunle, popularly known as Lawee, has emerged as the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ogun Waterside State Constituency after securing victory in the party’s primary election held on Wednesday in Abigi, headquarters of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The victory marks a major political milestone for the serving lawmaker, who currently represents Ogun Waterside Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly and serves as the Minority Chief Whip. His emergence as the APC flagbearer has sparked jubilation among supporters and political stakeholders across the riverine constituency, with many describing it as a validation of his grassroots appeal and performance in office.
Lawee, who was first elected into the 10th Assembly under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 before later defecting to the APC, has built a strong reputation as a grassroots politician whose legislative interventions have focused on infrastructure, education, youth development and community empowerment.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that Lawee’s political journey has also been shaped by his professional background as a land surveyor, real estate entrepreneur and Managing Director of MOKLAND Investment Limited, experiences many supporters say have influenced his pragmatic approach to governance and constituency development.
Reacting to the primary election outcome, prominent political figure in Ogun Waterside, Adenaya Fatai, popularly known as Modawoni, congratulated Lawee on what he described as a well-deserved victory and a reflection of the trust the people continue to place in his leadership.
Modawoni, a former House of Assembly candidate in the 2023 elections and a respected grassroots mobiliser in the constituency, said the APC primary result showed that the people of Ogun Waterside are united in their desire for continuity in developmental projects.
“Today’s victory is not just for Hon. Lawal Samusideen Adekunle alone; it is a victory for the entire people of Ogun Waterside who believe in continuity, progress and quality representation,” Modawoni said in a congratulatory message made available to journalists.
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He added that Lawee’s re-emergence as candidate presents an opportunity for the constituency to consolidate ongoing projects and strengthen its place within the broader development agenda of Ogun State.
“I heartily congratulate my brother, Hon. Lawee, on his successful emergence as the APC candidate for the 2027 election. This victory is a testament to his hard work, accessibility to the people and the confidence reposed in him by party members and the grassroots,” he said.
Modawoni, who recently resigned from the NNPP and is currently not affiliated with any political party, called on all political actors in the constituency to put aside partisan differences and support initiatives that would advance the socio-economic fortunes of the riverine area.
“Development should be our common goal irrespective of political platforms. Waterside deserves sustained investment in roads, education, healthcare, environmental protection and youth empowerment. I urge all sons and daughters of the constituency to support any leader committed to genuine progress,” he stated.
Modawoni expressed his readiness to continue working closely with Lawee, noting that he is fully prepared to offer his support and services whenever the need arises in the interest of Ogun Waterside Constituency.
“I am ready to work with you, Lawee, and render my support whenever it is needed for the progress of our constituency,” Modawoni said.
Political analysts in Ogun State say Lawee’s primary victory positions him strongly ahead of the 2027 election, especially given his increasing popularity among youth groups, artisans and community leaders in the coastal constituency.
During his first term, the lawmaker has been credited with several constituency-based initiatives, including educational support programmes, solar street lighting projects, football tournaments for youth engagement, and advocacy for improved maritime and agricultural infrastructure in Ogun Waterside.
Residents of the constituency who spoke after the primary election said the outcome was largely expected, citing Lawee’s frequent engagement with constituents and his visible presence in local development activities.
For many observers, Modawoni’s congratulatory message is also being interpreted as a significant gesture of political maturity, suggesting that key stakeholders in Ogun Waterside may be embracing a new era of cooperation and consensus-building ahead of the 2027 polls.
As celebrations continue in Abigi and surrounding communities, supporters of the APC candidate have expressed optimism that Lawee’s candidacy will strengthen the party’s chances in the general election and ensure continuity of legislative representation for Ogun Waterside in the Ogun State House of Assembly.
