₦airaland Forum

A Changing Tide in Lagos Politics? Why Olumide Kola-Lawal May Be APC’s Most Strategic Bet - Lanre Damilola

As political permutations gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, a compelling question is beginning to echo across party circles and among voters alike: Can the All Progressives Congress (APC) afford to overlook candidate appeal in a rapidly evolving political landscape? In Lagos - Nigeria’s political and economic heartbeat - that question may prove decisive.

At the center of this conversation is Olumide Kola-Lawal (popularly known as OKL), a long-time party loyalist and public policy expert with nearly two decades of development experience. His emergence signals what could be a subtle but significant shift in how the APC approaches candidate selection - prioritizing not just loyalty and experience, but broad voter appeal in an increasingly competitive environment.

The Sellability Factor in Modern Politics

Gone are the days when party structure alone could guarantee electoral success. Today’s voters are more discerning, more vocal, and more willing to cross traditional party lines. Candidates must connect - not just politically, but intellectually and emotionally - with a diverse electorate.

This is where Kola-Lawal’s candidacy stands out. With a background rooted in public policy and development, he brings a technocratic edge that resonates with younger voters, professionals, and urban dwellers who are seeking competence and forward-thinking leadership. His profile reflects a blend of grassroots loyalty and modern governance expertise - an increasingly valuable combination.

A Contrast in Political Trajectories

Standing opposite him is SenatorWasiu Eshinlokun, the incumbent senator whose political career spans over two decades, having held various offices since 1999. While experience is undeniably an asset, it also comes with the burden of public scrutiny and the perception (fair or not) of political fatigue. In a climate where voters are expressing a desire for renewal and fresh perspectives, longevity in office can become a double-edged sword. The APC must therefore weigh continuity against the growing appetite for change.

Why Kola-Lawal Fits the Moment

Kola-Lawal’s appeal lies not just in what he represents, but in how he represents it. He is not an outsider to the party; rather, he is a product of its internal evolution. His long-standing commitment to the APC provides reassurance to party loyalists, while his professional track record offers credibility to undecided voters.

Moreover, his development-focused experience positions him as a candidate capable of addressing Lagos’s complex urban challenges from infrastructure and economic growth to social inclusion and governance reform. In a city that demands both vision and execution, this dual competence could prove decisive.

Strategic Implications for the APC

For the APC, the stakes extend beyond a single senatorial seat. The party’s ability to remain dominant in Lagos depends on its willingness to adapt to changing political realities. Fielding candidates who are not only experienced but also widely acceptable to the electorate is no longer optional, it is essential.

Kola-Lawal represents a strategic opportunity: a candidate who bridges the gap between party loyalty and voter appeal, between tradition and transformation.

A Defining Choice

As the APC deliberates on its ticket, the choice before it is emblematic of a broader question facing Nigerian politics: Should parties prioritize continuity, or embrace candidates who embody the future?

If the goal is to field a candidate who can energize the base, attract swing voters, and reinforce the party’s relevance in a dynamic political climate, then Olumide Kola-Lawal makes a compelling case.

In the end, this may indeed be the moment where the tide begins to turn not just for one candidate, but for how political success is defined in Lagos.


Lanre Damilola is an APC Chieftain and he writes from Island

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There is serious fire on the mountain,and these people are busy doing yeye politics.

This is how you will carry us go where we know no !

FTC...iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Yinmu .. APC is DOA [Dead on Arrival ] in Lagos if they don't rig the election like they did last time no matter who they field for governorship election ..

Don't even understand a thing in the whole paid writeup. All this big big English and grammar for the common man that wants to vote. Shey he don enter already

yes we know Lagos is never short of technocrats and capable hands to steer the wheel of our land, our reserve is never running short of candidates but only the best amongst them will emerge…..btw in all of this names vying for office of governor, I have not come across any Okoro name I thought we agreed Lagos is no mans land and it belongs to everybody how come the Yorubas are the one’s elected governor? Someone should pls explain this to me btw proudly lagos

For Governor? Senator? Rep Memeber? Assembly Member? Local Government Chairman? Ward Councillor?

Na where him ward dey?

Op, you did not say nah.

sleemoon:
Yinmu .. APC is DOA [Dead on Arrival ] in Lagos if they don't rig the election like they did last time no matter who they field for governorship election ..

I hope you have pvc, not online Chestbeating as usual.

Let's await as others unfold

ogelekpomgam:
There is serious fire on the mountain,and these people are busy doing yeye politics.

You expect all should stop
So that you can carry load on our head from back

mozes01:
I hope you have pvc, not online Chestbeating as usual.

Them full here

Like all is over before it

simigold:
Don't even understand a thing in the whole paid writeup. All this big big English and grammar for the common man that wants to vote. Shey he don enter already

same here sef. Everything he wrote was confusing

Lukuluku69:
For Governor? Senator? Rep Memeber? Assembly Member? Local Government Chairman? Ward Councillor?

Na where him ward dey?

Op, you did not say nah.

O P de do Marketing-na,
As someone said,it is a Paid Advertisement job and it's as allowed in this Campaign year.

sleemoon:
Yinmu .. APC is DOA [Dead on Arrival ] in Lagos if they don't rig the election like they did last time no matter who they field for governorship election ..

It's a good idea we don't allow you to hijack Lagos from us while no body contends your village with you. You don't want to be part of Nigeria but you keep contending with owners of Lagos over their land. And you think we will take Biafra serious? Sebi na so Ojukwu do. He don almost collect the whole of ss finish con dey enter SW. Biafra met it's waterloo in the process. Na other people thing dey enter your eyes.

This one wants to test the waters.

If you read the whole write-up there, you suppose collect serious flogging

Logos state that's like an idle machine waiting for their engineer in abj to start it

ogelekpomgam:
There is serious fire on the mountain,and these people are busy doing yeye politics.

no be only kola Lawal,na ladi kwali…

Kola Lawal is not small but Eshilokun is a very big fish that will not be easy to dislodge.

Can we all see the interest in politics among the so called politicians, they can even protest at the inec office.

How many politicians have protested about the killing in rural areas and eradication of farming as a profession?

All these are just rumors. Baba SOPE is the final answer

Lmao. Who is he?

He won't come 5th in the pecking order.

Though whoever APC Lagos presents will win, but the candidate's popularity also matters. He isn't ready for this.

Hamzart or Ambode gets it.

Hemanwel:
This one wants to test the waters.

If you read the whole write-up there, you suppose collect serious flogging

As in ehnnnn, better flogging. Nonsense!

seyi the chief of city boys movement is the next governor of lagos state

sleemoon:
Yinmu .. APC is DOA [Dead on Arrival ] in Lagos if they don't rig the election like they did last time no matter who they field for governorship election ..

I’m 100% certain you have never set foot in Lagos before. Only people alien in Lagos can spew this naieve statement .so abeg tell us the party that will win Lagos when 99% of indigenes and kings are in Apc?

Na sponsored post be this ba?

The party is risking the total wrath of Nigerians. Just a little mistake may ignite uncomfortable anger. They had the opportunity to do well but flopped the most.

ogelekpomgam:
There is serious fire on the mountain,and these people are busy doing yeye politics.

If you like, don't look for opportunities in that fire. So he should not chase his dream because your Nigeria is burning abi?

After you shout finish, you go de alright last last

It's Obafemi Hamzat simple!