Obanikoro joins Lagos Island Reps race, picks APC expression of interest form
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatal Monitoring, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, has formally entered the race for the House of Representatives seat for the Lagos Island Federal Constituency
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatal Monitoring, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, has formally entered the race for the House of Representatives seat for the Lagos Island Federal Constituency after obtaining the expression-of-interest form from the All Progressives Congress.
Confirmed by close associates, the move has intensified political activity within Lagos circles. Observers describe it as a major development in one of the state’s most competitive constituencies.
Obanikoro’s entry signals his readiness to contest for a seat in the green chamber, setting the stage for what analysts project could be a closely contested intra-party primary.
The aspirant, son of former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, is seeking to build on a longstanding political legacy, although associates maintain that his ambition is driven by personal experience and a defined governance vision.
In his current role under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obanikoro oversees the performance and accountability of state agencies and parastatals, earning recognition for promoting transparency and institutional efficiency.
Political analysts note that his experience in executive governance could provide an advantage in legislative responsibilities, particularly in bridging policy formulation and implementation.
The Lagos Island Federal Constituency, which includes key economic hubs such as Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah, is regarded as one of the most strategic in the country due to its concentration of businesses, professionals and international organisations.
Securing the APC ticket is expected to be highly competitive, with several prominent aspirants likely to contest in the party’s primaries.
With the acquisition of the expression of interest form marking the first step in the process, Obanikoro is expected to intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation across the constituency.
Early reactions within the APC indicate growing interest in his candidacy, with some party stakeholders citing his administrative track record as a positive factor, while grassroots members expressed optimism that his entry would energise the race.
A community leader in the Lekki axis, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What we want is someone who knows how government works from the inside, who can hold ministries accountable and fight for our constituency's infrastructure and development in Abuja. Obanikoro fits that profile.”
Youth groups within the constituency also reacted positively, expressing hope that his candidacy could boost participation among young voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.
For the Obanikoro family, the bid represents a continuation of a longstanding involvement in public service. However, associates maintain that the campaign reflects Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro’s individual ambition to address the needs of the constituency and contribute to national legislative work.
As the APC’s internal processes progress and preparations for the next general election gather momentum, Obanikoro’s entry has added a new dimension to the Lagos Island House of Representatives race, with political observers noting that the contest is likely to intensify in the coming months.
