Lagos Central 2027: Kola-Lawal Withdraws, Backs Eshilokun In APC Consensus Move

According to Ireporter Online, one of the leading contenders for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat, Olumide Kola-Lawal, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for the incumbent senator, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, following what he described as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus arrangement.

Kola-Lawal, also known as OKL, made the announcement during a press briefing held in Apapa on Saturday, where he reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged full support for Eshilokun’s return to the Senate in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that his decision was guided by party discipline and the supremacy of collective interest over personal ambition.

He stated that the move was not a withdrawal from public service but a demonstration of commitment to unity within the party and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He further urged supporters to remain steadfast, noting that the strength of their movement lies in shared values rather than individual aspirations.

According to him, the campaign journey had been extensive and engaging, involving consultations across all 13 local government areas and local council development areas within Lagos Central, as well as interactions with over 90 wards. He added that town hall meetings had provided him with deeper insights into grassroots concerns and aspirations.

However, the development has sparked mixed reactions among some APC youths in the district. Shortly after Kola-Lawal’s announcement, a section of party youths expressed dissatisfaction with the consensus outcome, arguing that they felt sidelined in the decision-making process.

Some of the youths claimed that the incumbent senator had not made sufficient impact in the district compared to Kola-Lawal, whom they described as having carried out significant empowerment initiatives. Others described the consensus arrangement as disappointing, alleging that it undermines youth inclusion and grassroots expectations, despite acknowledging that party decisions remain binding.

One youth leader in Apapa described the situation as reflective of internal party hierarchy, while insisting that their preferred candidate remained Kola-Lawal. Another youth stakeholder maintained that although the APC’s decision was accepted, it did not reflect the wishes of many grassroots supporters, who believe Kola-Lawal represents their aspirations for representation at the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, party observers note that the development underscores ongoing tensions that often accompany consensus politics within major political parties ahead of general elections.