Eti-Osa APC Ticket: Adams Urged to Back Bankole

Noheem Adams and Saheed Bankole amid calls for unity over the APC ticket for Eti-Osa Constituency I.

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Lagos, Nigeria -November 15, 2026

Hon. Noheem Adams and his supporters have been urged to put the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) above personal political considerations and rally behind Saheed Adesegun Bankole, the party’s recognised candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency I in the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.

The appeal follows the emergence of Bankole’s name on the party’s official list of candidates and the subsequent recognition of his candidacy in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

Political observers and party stakeholders believe that accepting Bankole’s candidacy and working together for his success would be in the best interest of the APC, particularly at a time when unity, discipline and effective grassroots mobilisation are essential to securing electoral victory.

Although Adams and his supporters have continued to express dissatisfaction with the outcome of the party’s nomination process, they have been advised to reconsider their position and embrace reconciliation in the larger interest of the party.

The controversy dates back to the APC primary election conducted on May 20, 2026, during which Adams was announced as the winner with 7,638 votes, against the 1,225 votes reportedly secured by Bankole. However, the party’s subsequently published list named Bankole as its candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency I.

The APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, had maintained that the state chapter published the candidates’ list based on the results submitted by the committee constituted by the party’s national leadership.

With Bankole now featuring as the APC’s candidate in the party’s official electoral arrangements, continued opposition to his candidacy could create unnecessary divisions capable of weakening the party’s political structure in Eti-Osa.

One major reason Adams and his supporters should accept the development is the need to preserve party unity. A prolonged disagreement over the ticket could divide loyal party members into opposing camps, weaken relationships among ward leaders and grassroots mobilisers, and create an opportunity for opposition parties to gain political advantage.

Another important consideration is the party’s electoral prospects. An election requires collective commitment, effective coordination and the participation of members across the constituency. If Adams’ supporters withdraw their cooperation or work against the recognised candidate, the APC could lose valuable grassroots support, campaign resources and votes that would otherwise contribute to its success.

Furthermore, accepting Bankole’s candidacy would demonstrate political maturity, party discipline and respect for the collective decisions and electoral arrangements of the APC leadership. Political disagreements are not unusual in a democratic party, but the ability of members to reconcile after a nomination dispute is essential to maintaining a strong political organisation.

The situation also presents an opportunity for the APC leadership to bring both camps together through meaningful reconciliation, ensuring that Adams and his supporters are not alienated but remain valued members of the party.

Adams’ political experience, influence and established grassroots network could remain valuable assets to the APC if properly integrated into Bankole’s campaign structure. Rather than allowing the disagreement to become a permanent source of division, both camps could channel their political strength towards a common electoral objective.

The APC’s Deputy State Chairman in Lagos State, Moshood Mayegun, had earlier urged party members in Eti-Osa Constituency I to intensify grassroots mobilisation for Bankole during an interfaith prayer and campaign flag-off. He called on members to embark on door-to-door mobilisation and canvass support for the party’s candidates.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the development underscores the importance of collective participation by party leaders, elected officials, ward executives, former aspirants and grassroots supporters in building a formidable campaign structure.

Ultimately, the 2027 election should be about the APC’s collective strength and its ability to secure the confidence of voters in Eti-Osa Constituency I, rather than allowing an internal nomination disagreement to overshadow the party’s electoral ambition.

Adams and his supporters therefore have an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to the APC by accepting Bankole’s candidacy, embracing reconciliation and joining other party leaders and members to work towards a successful outing in the 2027 general elections.