By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Political tension is building in Kosofe Constituency II as a group identifying itself as Progressives Stakeholders’ openly opposed the reported ambition of Murtala Seriki to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat, questioning his roots, credibility and acceptance within the constituency, reports thegazellenews.com
Thegazellenews.com reports that Seriki is the current Youth Leader of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The development comes as early alignments for the 2027 elections begin to emerge across the district, which covers communities including Ketu, Alapere, Agboyi, Isheri, Magodo, Olowora, Isheri North, Orisha, Giliti, Ikosi, Ajegunle, Patel, Maiden, Mile 12, Owode Elede and Demurin.
In a statement circulated under the title, “Kosofe Constituency 2 Deserves Clarity, Not Confusion,” the group argued that the constituency should be represented only by individuals with clear local identity and established grassroots ties.
According to the group, Kosofe Constituency II is “not a political rehearsal or testing ground for people of unclear identity,” insisting that residents deserve a leader who understands the real challenges affecting the people and communities.
Specifically, the critics questioned whether Seriki is genuinely from the constituency or entitled to seek the seat, alleging that his political history is more closely linked to Agege, Ikorodu and Lagos Island than Kosofe.
“Youth leader is not a lawmaking credential,” the statement read. “Since when did Kosofe 2 become a political Airbnb for outsiders?”
Furthermore, the group referenced allegations surrounding the 2025 Ikosi-Isheri primaries, accusing Seriki of backing an unpopular incumbent while nomination forms of other aspirants allegedly disappeared.
“If you can’t run a fair youth primary, how do you run a constituency?” the group asked.
In addition, the critics argued that Kosofe Constituency II cannot afford what they described as a political tourist, stressing the need for a tested grassroots politician familiar with local realities.
“Kosofe 2 cannot afford a representative who needs Google Maps to find his constituents. We need a well-grounded grassroots politician, not a political tourist,” the statement added.
The group claimed several youth forums in Ikosi-Isheri and Agboyi had rejected Seriki’s aspiration because he had never been part of their political structure.
It also questioned what it described as political influence allegedly facilitated through the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District
The statement further insisted that Seriki is neither from Ikosi-Isheri nor Agboyi-Ketu, declaring that residents would resist any attempt to impose an outsider on the constituency.
“Dr Murtala Seriki is not from Ikosi-Isheri nor Agboyi Ketu, his origin is unknown to the citizens of Kosofe 2 and we will not accept him to represent us,” the group said.
Moreover, the stakeholders warned the All Progressives Congress that adopting Seriki as its candidate could cost the party votes in the constituency, urging residents to decide their future at the ballot box.
“If APC and its leadership consider Dr Murtala Seriki as the party candidate, then they risk losing party votes to other political parties in ourh constituency,” the statement added.
