Former Education Secretary Mayowa Alakija has emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections after defeating incumbent lawmaker Stephen Ogundipe in the party primary.
The APC primary election took place at the Legislative Hall of the Oshodi Local Government Secretariat and attracted a large number of party members, delegates, and stakeholders from across the constituency.
Alakija, popularly known as Bibire, recorded a commanding performance across most of the wards during the exercise. He secured a strong lead in Bolade D1 Ward with 3,121 votes, while Ogundipe managed 1,110 votes.
The margin became even wider in Orile Oshodi D2 Ward, where Alakija polled 4,352 votes, leaving the incumbent with only 12 votes.
He also maintained dominance in Mafoluku D3 Ward after scoring 2,102 votes against Ogundipe’s 166 votes.
Although the contest appeared slightly closer in Shogunle E1 Ward, Alakija still emerged ahead with 484 votes compared to Ogundipe’s 371. In Alasia Shogunle E2 Ward, he further extended his lead with 455 votes while the sitting lawmaker secured 78 votes.
At the end of the exercise, Alakija was declared winner with a total of 12,251 votes, defeating Ogundipe who finished with 1,737 votes.
Another aspirant, Abiodun Orija, had earlier stepped down from the race before voting commenced and publicly endorsed Alakija.
Following the collation of results, APC Returning Officer Prince Adesanya Omoloja officially announced Alakija as the party’s candidate for the constituency seat.
The declaration sparked celebrations among his supporters and loyalists, many of whom described the outcome as proof of his popularity and grassroots influence within the constituency.
Party leaders present at the venue also commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primary while urging members to remain united ahead of the general election.
In his acceptance speech, Alakija appreciated party leaders, delegates, women groups, youths, and supporters who stood by him throughout the process.
He also acknowledged those who supported other aspirants, saying their participation strengthened the democratic process within the party.
Calling for reconciliation after the primary, Alakija stressed the need for members to place the interest of the party above personal ambitions as preparations begin for the general election.
He praised Abiodun Orija for stepping aside in the interest of unity and also commended Stephen Ogundipe for what he described as a mature and democratic contest.
Alakija further assured residents and party faithful that he would lead with fairness, humility, and dedication if elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.
