The debate over who will represent Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly has become one of the most prominent political conversations within the division, second only to the broader “Ikorodu for Governor” discourse. At the heart of this discussion is a growing concern among constituents about the possibility of candidate imposition—a factor many believe has historically contributed to underperformance in representation.
Recent public sentiment indicates that distrust in the candidate selection process remains a major driver of political disengagement. This concern is not unfounded. Lagos State has witnessed a steady pattern of voter apathy in recent elections. For instance, during the 2023 gubernatorial election, voter turnout in Lagos hovered around 20–25% of registered voters, reflecting a significant decline in civic participation. Similarly, turnout in previous election cycles, including 2019, remained below 30%, underscoring a persistent lack of confidence in the electoral process.
In response to these concerns, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, has reassured party faithful that the eventual candidate will emerge through a process that reflects the popular will of the people. However, for many constituents in Ikorodu, assurances alone are not enough—what they seek is a transparent and participatory mechanism that restores trust.
There is a noticeable decline in political enthusiasm across the constituency, largely driven by the perception that outcomes are predetermined. Many residents express skepticism about whether their votes—or even their voices—will truly influence the process. This aligns with broader trends across Lagos, where voter apathy is often linked to feelings of political exclusion and lack of accountability.
Interestingly, the renewed conversation around direct primaries appears to be rekindling some level of interest among constituents. For many, it represents a rare opportunity for grassroots participation and a chance to influence candidate emergence directly. This has injected a modest but significant level of energy into the political space, as aspirants and their supporters begin to engage more actively with the electorate.
Stakeholders within Ikorodu Constituency I argue that the only viable path to reversing voter apathy is through a credible commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness. They maintain that allowing all aspirants to test their popularity at the polls through direct primaries will not only strengthen internal democracy within the party but also rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The prevailing sentiment remains clear: if the party is committed to increasing participation and avoiding the cycle of low voter turnout, it must prioritize a transparent process devoid of imposition. In doing so, it stands a better chance of re-engaging a disillusioned electorate and restoring confidence in the democratic process.
