Stakeholders across Lagos Mainland have endorsed Honourable Prince Abdul Akeem Animashaun as their consensus candidate for the House of Representatives.

They also called for the zoning of the seat to Ebute Metta West, describing the move as necessary to address decades of political marginalisation.

The endorsement was announced at a joint press conference attended by political leaders, community representatives, and grassroots stakeholders from Ebute Metta West, Ebute Metta East, and Yaba.

Why it matters

Speakers at the event said Ebute Metta West has not held the House of Representatives seat since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

They argued that most elective and appointive positions have been concentrated in Yaba and Ebute Metta East, leaving Ebute Metta West underrepresented.

According to the stakeholders, the imbalance risks weakening unity within the constituency and could affect party cohesion ahead of future elections.

Stakeholders demand “justice, equity, and fairness”

Central to the resolution was a call for political zoning based on fairness.

“The endorsement of Prince Abdul Akeem Animashaun reflects a shared commitment to fairness, political stability, and inclusive governance,” the stakeholders said.

Leaders from Yaba and Ebute Metta East backed the demand, describing it as a “corrective step” to restore balance in representation.

Community voices back candidate

Support for Animashaun cut across different groups, including youths, traditional leaders, and religious figures, according to organisers.

Comrade Dosugan Caleb, representing the Makoko waterfront community, linked the endorsement to unresolved local issues.

He pointed to a disputed waterfront reclamation project dating back to 2020 and ongoing legal battles involving residents, authorities, and a private developer.

He said the community hoped Animashaun would prioritise their concerns if elected.

Mrs Bolingo, a resident of Yaba, said past representatives had failed to meet expectations.

She added that the constituency needed “accountable leadership that reflects the people’s needs.”

Engineer Akamu Ganiu from Ebute Metta West described Animashaun as “a credible leader” with a record of grassroots engagement.

Other supporters, including Mrs Helen Ilegbodu and Hon Samson Akanni Sambakiu, cited his legal background and public service experience as reasons for their backing.

Push for unity across Lagos Mainland

Speakers repeatedly stressed the need for unity across the three divisions of Lagos Mainland.

They said collective action would be key to achieving equitable representation and sustainable development.

The stakeholders urged party leaders and relevant authorities to respect the zoning demand, describing it as a “decisive push for justice, fairness, and democratic progress.”

What’s next

Political observers say the endorsement could shape party primaries and influence voter sentiment ahead of the next general elections.

Attention is now expected to shift to how party leadership responds to the zoning call and whether consensus can be maintained.

Political Insight

Analysts note that zoning arrangements are a recurring feature in Nigerian politics, often used to manage diversity and maintain balance within constituencies.

However, they warn that disputes over zoning can also trigger internal party conflicts if not carefully managed.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed the reported suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal as “callous” and politically motivated.

What happened

In a statement issued on Thursday, Eze described the alleged suspension by a faction of the African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State as illegitimate.

He argued that the move was driven by “hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy.”

“The purported suspension of Atiku, and Babachir is a callous act by a few ADC hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy in Adamawa State.”

Eze insisted that no group within the party has the authority to suspend the former vice president, describing Atiku as a dominant political figure in Adamawa State.

Why it matters

The development highlights growing tensions within opposition ranks and raises concerns about internal party stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts say disputes like this could weaken opposition parties at a time when they are expected to present a united front against the ruling government.

Eze’s claims against APC

Eze accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to destabilise opposition figures.

“Attempting to destabilize opposition politicians using INEC and the Judiciary to meddle into the internal affairs of political parties is a sign of a drowning goon, who is afraid of competitive election.”

He further alleged that key institutions, including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were being used to influence political outcomes claims that have not been independently verified.

Political context

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president and a veteran opposition figure, has maintained strong political influence, particularly in Adamawa State.

Eze described him as:

“A political institution and beacon of democracy in Nigeria… no living individual or group can make Atiku irrelevant in the politics and culture of Adamawa State.”

The statement also questioned the legitimacy of the factional leadership reportedly behind the suspension.

Industry and public reactions

While the ADC has yet to issue an official unified response, political observers note that factional disputes are not uncommon in Nigerian party politics.

Some analysts warn that prolonged internal crises could reduce the credibility of opposition parties in the eyes of voters.

Others argue that such controversies may reflect broader struggles for control and influence ahead of the next election cycle.

What’s next

There has been no official confirmation from Atiku Abubakar or Babachir Lawal regarding the alleged suspension.

Political watchers expect further clarification from the ADC’s national leadership and possible legal or party-level resolutions in the coming days.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not contest for president again after the 2027 election, describing the race as his “last outing”.

He made the declaration during an interview on Arise News Channel, where he reflected on his long political career and repeated attempts to lead Africa’s most populous country.

“Certainly yes,” he said when asked if 2027 would be his final bid.

“Because the stakes are higher, because I believe that will be my last outing. So that’s incontrovertible.”

A final push after decades in politics

Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections across different political platforms, said his persistence is driven by what he sees as unfinished business.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain described his experience as a key strength in a country grappling with leadership challenges.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said.

“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old, and we’re experiencing them.”

Experience vs youth debate

Atiku argued that while younger leaders have taken up roles across Nigeria, expectations have not always been met.

“And I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership is below what we thought,” he said.

“They require experience and they require tutelage from the older generation.”

His comments come amid ongoing national debates about generational leadership and calls for younger politicians to take the reins.

Lessons from power

Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, a period he says shaped his political philosophy.

“There was a lot I learned,” he said.

“I don’t think I could have learned what I learned being vice president outside that system.”

Criticism of governance and leadership

Responding to criticism that he represents Nigeria’s entrenched political elite, Atiku said governance problems are systemic rather than generational.

“We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully when it comes to governance challenges,” he said.

He added that weak leadership structures and lack of mentorship have contributed to governance deficits across the country.

Why it matters

Atiku’s statement could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election.

As one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition figures, his decision to frame the race as a final bid may influence alliances, voter perception, and succession debates within opposition parties.

What’s next

Political analysts say attention will now turn to:

Coalition-building among opposition parties

The emergence of younger presidential aspirants

Voter sentiment on experience versus generational change

The 2027 election is expected to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s political direction.