By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Aspirants seeking tickets for the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have expressed confidence in the party’s screening process, describing the exercise as transparent, organised and competitive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The screening exercise, which commenced on Sunday, 10 May, 2026 at the APC Secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos, attracted scores of aspirants from various constituencies across the state, alongside party leaders and members of the screening committee.
The exercise formed part of the party’s preparations for the forthcoming primaries and elections.
Chairman of the APC Screening Committee in Lagos State, Borok Fomson, commended the conduct of the exercise, noting that the process had been seamless due to adequate preparations by the state chapter of the party.
“This is one of the best organised exercises I have witnessed in recent times. Before we came on board, the chapter here had already made adequate arrangements and put all the structures in place. All we did was fuse into what they had already put on ground and everything is moving seamlessly,” Fomson said.
He further disclosed that Lagos recorded one of the highest numbers of aspirants nationwide, revealing that the party sold 189 nomination forms, while 184 were returned, with only two withdrawals recorded.
“Lagos is witnessing one of the biggest harvests so far in this election cycle. I don’t know if there is any state with this kind of number, but Lagos will certainly rank among the top,” he added.
Thompson, however, urged aspirants to remain loyal to the party irrespective of the outcome of the screening and primaries.
“APC is home to every one of us. The party is bigger than any individual or personal interest. This is the home of our grand leader and the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Everyone should see the bigger picture beyond personal ambition,” he stated.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Screening Committee, Nidi Sohotyep, praised the quality of aspirants participating in the exercise, describing them as knowledgeable, skilled and highly competitive.
“Lagos is a knowledge-based state and, from our interactions so far, the aspirants have shown capacity, ambition and competence. Honestly, it is going to be highly competitive, but that speaks well for both the legislature and the party,” Sohotyep said.
One of the aspirants from Mushin Constituency I, Bunmi Obakoya, commended President Bola Tinubu for allowing a competitive screening process, stressing that the era of automatic tickets was gradually fading.
“I give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu kudos for allowing us to go through this process. In the past, some incumbents were simply handed tickets, but now the popularity of aspirants is being tested. I am contesting for Mushin I and I can tell you confidently that I will get the ticket,” he said.
Obakoya maintained that his political relevance was built on years of community service and youth empowerment.
“For over 21 years, I have been supporting youths with scholarships, palliatives and empowerment programmes without holding public office. I know what I have done for APC and my community, and nobody can shortchange me,” he added.
Similarly, Honourable Ege Olusegun Olabisi, representing Ojo Constituency I, expressed gratitude after emerging as the sole aspirant from his constituency.
“I give glory to God Almighty for making this possible. Being the only aspirant from my constituency shows that the people appreciate what we have been doing. The screening was thorough and well organised, and I am confident of victory,” he said.
An aspirant from Eti-Osa Constituency II, Olu Bumi Tejusho, lauded the party for encouraging female participation in politics.
“I am particularly impressed with the opportunities the party is giving women to stand out. This is my first time contesting for a political office and I am impressed with the entire process so far,” she said.
Tejuosho also pledged to accept the outcome of the exercise in line with party decisions.
“Whatever the party decides is what I will accept and support,” she added.
Meanwhile, incumbent lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency, Desmond Olusola Elliott, described the screening as more advanced and technologically driven compared to previous exercises.
“This process is more digital and properly segmented to make it faster and more effective. I also noticed that the committee members were meticulous. It says a lot about how far the party has evolved,” Elliott said.
Speaking on the forthcoming primaries, Elliott expressed confidence that the process would be free and fair.
“I believe APC will conduct a transparent primary. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in fairness and giving people the opportunity to make their choices. Whoever emerges eventually will enjoy support,” he stated.
The lawmaker further noted that aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the screening still had the opportunity to seek redress through the party’s appeal process.
“I think it is commendable that the party has created room for appeal. It shows that APC is committed to fairness and internal democracy,” he added.
The screening exercise is expected to continue with further assessments of aspirants ahead of the party primaries for the Lagos State House of Assembly elections.
