Former Education Secretary Mayowa Alakija, popularly known as “Bibire,” has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I, defeating incumbent lawmaker Stephen Ogundipe in the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections. The primary results were officially collated at the Legislative Hall of the Oshodi Local Government Secretariat, where party members and stakeholders gathered in large numbers to witness the process. Alakija secured a decisive victory with 12,251 votes, while Ogundipe polled 1,737 votes. Another aspirant, Abiodun Orija, had withdrawn from the race before voting began and endorsed Alakija, further consolidating support for the former education secretary.
Ward-by-ward results highlighted Alakija’s overwhelming dominance across the constituency. In Bolade D1 Ward, he received 3,121 votes compared to Ogundipe’s 1,110. His lead was even more pronounced in Orile Oshodi D2 Ward, where he garnered 4,352 votes to Ogundipe’s 12. At Mafoluku D3 Ward, Alakija collected 2,102 votes against Ogundipe’s 166. The contest was slightly closer in Shogunle E1 Ward, with Alakija scoring 484 votes to Ogundipe’s 371. In Alasia Shogunle E2 Ward, Alakija secured 455 votes, while Ogundipe managed only 78.
The APC Returning Officer, Prince Adesanya Omoloja, declared Alakija the duly elected candidate after the collation process concluded. The announcement sparked celebrations among party members and supporters, many of whom praised Alakija’s strong grassroots network and widespread political acceptance in Oshodi/Isolo. Party leaders commended the peaceful conduct of the primary and urged members to remain united as they prepare for the general election.
In his acceptance speech, Alakija expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates, women, youths, and supporters for their confidence in him. He acknowledged the participation of supporters from other aspirants, emphasizing that their involvement reflected democratic values and dedication to the party’s growth. “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 stated. He stressed that the collective interest of the party and the constituency must take precedence over personal ambition, urging APC members to work together for victory.
Alakija also appreciated Abiodun Orija for withdrawing from the race in the spirit of unity and commended Ogundipe for a healthy and democratic contest. He noted that the primary election demonstrated political maturity and loyalty to the APC. Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive leadership, Alakija pledged to serve the constituency with dedication, humility, and fairness if elected. With the APC’s candidate now chosen, attention turns to the 2027 general election, where Alakija will seek to represent Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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