The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the screening results for chairmanship aspirants ahead of the 2025 local government elections in Lagos State.
The party’s screening committee, chaired by Hon. Babatunde Ogala (SAN, OFR), vetted over 500 aspirants contesting positions across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). According to a document reviewed by reporters, a majority of the aspirants were cleared, while a few were disqualified for failing to meet the party’s eligibility requirements.
Top performers included Makinde R. Lanre of Ojokoro LCDA, who scored a perfect 100%, and Jakande O. Lawal of Odi-Olowo LCDA, who earned 94%. The results reflect a rigorous assessment process focused on competence, documentation, and local eligibility.
Youth participation was also notable. In Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, 34-year-old Azeezat Damilola Odubajo emerged as one of the highest-ranking young candidates, scoring 91%. Her performance underscores a growing generational shift in Lagos grassroots politics.
However, the screening process also led to several disqualifications. Common issues included missing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), ineligibility to vote within the LGA, and submission of forged academic credentials. In Eti-Osa East, Ogungbo Oseni Samad was disqualified after a petition was upheld. Similarly, Olukayode David Ishola of Bariga LCDA was removed from the race after being found with a falsified secondary school certificate.
Some aspirants were absent or scored below the threshold required for clearance. In Lagos Island East, Adeniji Aderemi received a 50% score and was marked as “below average.” Meanwhile, Abdulganiyu Obasa, the 31-year-old son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, did not attend his screening session.
The APC’s screening exercise highlights the party’s efforts to enforce standards and project credibility ahead of a crucial electoral cycle. With party primaries approaching, cleared aspirants will now compete for nominations in what is expected to be a highly competitive selection process.
As the political landscape in Lagos continues to evolve, the outcomes of these primaries are set to shape the direction of local governance across Nigeria’s most populous and economically significant state.