LAGOS WEST 2023: BEHOLD THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

As the primaries of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) draws nearer, this platform x-rays the chances, pedigree and profile of major contenders to replace YAYI in the Senate. 

As a foundation, the Lagos State APC has concluded plans to present very formidable candidates in all elections as a self- appraisal of the party in the State has shown a dwindling acceptance by Lagosians. This is moreso that the last local government election in the State confirmed its popularity may be reducing. To arrest this ugly trend, the party has resolved to ensure only candidates with pedigree, competence, track records, personality and experience are allowed to fly the party's flags in next year's general elections. 

Furthermore, elections in Lagos State have recently become more competitive , therefore ensuring that only strong and tough candidates can stand the test of time. 

Consequently, the major contenders for the Lagos West Senatorial District's seat in the Senate are analysed below: 

1. *SENATOR MUSILIU OLATUNDE OBANIKORO (KORO)*

A one-time member of the Nigerian Senate (in the 5th National Assembly), a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, former Lagos State Commisioner and Chairman, and Candidate of the now opposition party in the Governorship election in 2007, is seen as a vastly experienced and politically travelled politician. The main claims in support of KORO (as he is fondly called) are his extreme grassroot support, which cuts beyond Lagos West, vast experience (having criss-crossed both the legislative and executive arms of government), extreme popularity (especially among the common men and women) to mention but a few. 

It has been observed that KORO, who had stated in a recent interview that he is qualified to become the Governor of Lagos State, actually prefers the No 1 seat in Alausa. However, it is believed that the much publicized possibility of 2nd term of Governor Babajide Sanwo'olu and in particular, the Presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the Senate the destination. 

Obanikoro, is believed to be the foremost candidate because of his track records, even while he was in the opposition. Furthermore, his long standing relationship with the big wigs in Lagos and beyond, stands him in good stead among other contenders. Koro is mainly described as audacious, purposeful, passionate and visionary. He is believed to have the intelligence and capacity to win any election conducted on a free and fair basis owing to his grassroots acceptance. Indeed, as his slogan goes...koro Ibo... and no one knows Lagos like KORO. 

2. *DR IDIAT OLURANTI ADEBULE*

The 15th Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the 6th woman to occupy that office is one of the two former Deputy Governors believed to be running for the Senate next year. An intelligent, quintessential and unassuming deputy to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode performed commendably as the Hon. Commissioner for Education, a portfolio she added to being Deputy Governor. 

Adebule, a former lecturer at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe and Lagos State University was responsible for reviewing the Lagos State Education Policy Document. She was Commissioner 1 in the Lagos State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (PP- TESCOM) now Teachers' Establishment and Pensions Office. 

As an academic person, Dr. Adebule is experienced in education but when it comes to accessibility, general acceptance, warmness towards the people, she is way down the line and scores very low. The major clog in this wheel is that party faithful and commoners say she is not accessible and does not listen to them and their opinions. These traits, political observers believe cost her the ticket of the party at its primaries into the House of Representatives to represent the people of Ojo Federal Constituency. Indeed, she failed to cross the hurdle in her own backyard. 

3. *ADEJOKE ORELOPE-ADEFULIRE*

A former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and currently the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals to President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Orelope-Adefulire, who received the Guiness World Records for the most children reading aloud with an adult at a single location while reading with 4,222 school children, is a 62 year old administrator per excellence, social worker and a princess. 

Popularly called 'Iya Alanu', Orelope is popular among a section of women in the APC, although she does not see eye to eye with many others. 

Her legislative experience was as an elected Member, representing Alimosho 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. 

She is believed not to be serious about her ambition into the Senate as she currently enjoys her appointment as a Senior Special Assistant to the President. 

Unlike other candidates who have deployed some resources and arsenal towards their ambitions, Orelope appears to be unsure of what she wants as she wishes to tenaciously hold unto her appointment and does not want to lose on both sides. Reports have it that whereas she tells some people she's interested in the Senate, she tells others that her supposed aspirations are mere rumours. 

With this uncertain mind, coupled with her low acceptability, it appears the erstwhile Deputy Governor is neither ready nor willing to throw her heart into the ring (contest). 

Bearing in mind that there may be a few more aspirants who may wish to throw their hearts into the ring, it remains to be seen if anyone has the clout, status and political stature of these forerunners, especially Obanikoro. 

There are generals and there are generals, therefore, among the contenders, KORO is one political general who has clearly earned his medals. 

Whatever happens, the race for the Senate from Lagos West portents to be as interesting and as challenging. Political observers should keep a keen look at this race.

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