Former Lagos State Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, popularly known as “Bibire,” has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I after defeating incumbent lawmaker, Stephen Ogundipe, in the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
The primary election, held at the Legislative Hall of the Oshodi Local Government Secretariat, attracted a large turnout of party delegates, members, and stakeholders who monitored the collation of results.
Alakija dominated the poll across most wards in the constituency, recording decisive victories over the sitting legislator.
In Bolade D1 Ward, Alakija secured 3,121 votes against Ogundipe’s 1,110 votes. He also delivered a landslide performance in Orile Oshodi D2 Ward, polling 4,352 votes, while the incumbent managed just 12 votes.
At Mafoluku D3 Ward, Alakija garnered 2,102 votes compared to Ogundipe’s 166 votes. The contest appeared closer in Shogunle E1 Ward, where Alakija polled 484 votes, narrowly ahead of Ogundipe’s 371 votes.
In Alasia Shogunle E2 Ward, Alakija recorded 455 votes, while Ogundipe secured 78 votes.
At the end of the exercise, Alakija was declared winner with a total of 12,251 votes, defeating Ogundipe who polled 1,737 votes.
Another aspirant, Abiodun Orija, had earlier withdrawn from the race before voting commenced and directed his supporters to back Alakija’s candidacy.
The APC Returning Officer, Prince Adesanya Omoloja, subsequently announced Alakija as the party’s duly elected candidate for Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I.
The declaration sparked celebrations among supporters and party faithful, many of whom described the outcome as evidence of Alakija’s grassroots popularity and political acceptance within the constituency.
Party leaders also praised the peaceful conduct of the primary election and urged members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech, Alakija thanked party leaders, delegates, women, youths, and supporters across the constituency for their confidence and support.
He also acknowledged supporters of other aspirants, describing their participation as a demonstration of democratic commitment and loyalty to the APC.
“Now that the primary election is over, this is the time for unity, reconciliation, and consolidation as we prepare for the general election ahead,” he said.
Alakija stressed the need for party unity, urging members to place the interest of the APC and the constituency above personal ambition in order to secure victory in the next election.
He further appreciated Abiodun Orija for stepping down in the interest of party unity and commended Ogundipe for what he described as a healthy and democratic contest.
According to him, the primary election reflected political maturity and dedication to democratic values within the APC.
Alakija also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, pledging to serve the people of Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I with fairness, humility, and dedication if elected in 2027.