Labour Party unveils 26 chairmanship candidates for Lagos polls

DDM News

The Labour Party in Lagos State has announced its chairmanship candidates for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the announcement was made on Saturday by the state chairperson of the party, Pastor Dayo Ekong, during a briefing in Lagos.

According to Ekong, 26 chairmanship candidates emerged through primary elections conducted across designated centres in the state on Friday, May 16.

She explained that the primaries were held in only 26 out of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

She clarified that the party would not field candidates in the remaining 31 councils due to what she described as “strategic reasons.”

She identified some of the areas where the party would not be participating as Ikeja, Surulere, Agege, Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Lagos Island East, Lagos Island West, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

The party, however, plans to reschedule the primary in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area to complete its full slate of 27 candidates.

In Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Seyi Ipinlaye, a former Secretary to the Local Government, secured the party’s ticket.

In Ojokoro LCDA, Mr. Oluwafemi Fadairo emerged victorious, while in Ojo LG, Mr. Abudu Akinlola won the ticket.

Biola Samson was returned unopposed in Oriade LCDA, while Dr. Hassan Ademola emerged the candidate in Itire-Ikate LCDA.

Other candidates include Mr. Abiodun Adegun (Coker-Aguda), Abdulaziz Awesu (Ikorodu Central), Mrs. Silifat Agbalaye (Badagry Central), and Adedayo Ashade (Ifako-Ijaiye).

Temitope Adulola will contest in Iba LCDA, while Chioma Nzefili will represent the party in Oto-Awori.

In Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, the party’s flag bearer is Paul Ayanlola, with Kabiru Koleosho taking the ticket in Mushin.

The Isolo candidate is Rasak Salako, while Dr. Michael Olusegun will represent the party in Ikoyi-Obalende.

Lateef Liasu and John Akano emerged in Iru-Victoria Island and Eti-Osa respectively, while Adewale Elegbeleye won in Eti-Osa East.

Others include Anthonia Oyeneye (Kosofe), Adedotun Shoyemi (Agboyi-Ketu), Olajide Akinola (Ikorodu North), Bolanle Ajose (Ikorodu West), and Adetolu Akinnubi (Ikotun-Igando).

Gideon Adeniran will fly the party’s flag in Alimosho, while Olayemi Olajide and Bolaji Oluriwale will contest in Ijede and Mosan-Okunola respectively.

Ekong commended the peaceful conduct of the primaries and described the process as transparent, credible, and a major step forward for the party in Lagos.

She acknowledged the role of security operatives in managing tensions in areas where disputes arose, noting that their intervention allowed the primaries to proceed without major incidents.

She also lauded party members and supporters for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the exercise.

Ekong emphasized that the success of the primaries signaled growing unity and organization within the Labour Party ahead of the crucial local government elections.

Local government elections in Lagos State are crucial for political parties, as they control the third tier of government responsible for grassroots development and service delivery.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had earlier announced that the 2025 local government elections would be held on July 12.

The Labour Party’s participation is seen as part of its broader strategy to consolidate grassroots support following its impressive outing during the 2023 general elections, where it gained significant traction in urban centers like Lagos.

With these 26 candidates unveiled, the party is poised to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other major political actors at the local level.

Political analysts believe that while the Labour Party may face stiff competition, its candidates’ profiles and grassroots connections could play a decisive role in certain local councils.

The party’s decision to be selective in its participation has also raised questions, with some suggesting it is a calculated move to focus resources where victory is most feasible.

Ekong, however, maintained that every choice made was based on detailed internal assessments and local dynamics.

The coming weeks will determine how effectively the Labour Party can translate its candidate selection into actual wins at the polls.

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