The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Assembly primary election for Apapa Constituency I.

Meranda secured 2,926 votes to defeat three other aspirants in the primary election conducted on Wednesday.

The exercise took place at Ijora Oloye Nursery and Primary School in Ijora and was reportedly peaceful despite the large turnout of delegates, party members, and supporters.

Delegates and party agents arrived at the venue from about 9:00 a.m., while operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, provided security throughout the exercise.

The APC ticket was contested by four aspirants, including Meranda, Esan Adedotun, Mike Egbayelo, and Elizabeth Toluwalope.

Meranda arrived at the venue shortly before the commencement of voting and was received by cheering supporters.

“I thank you all for the support; it is massive,” she said while addressing party members.

Speaking after the exercise, the APC youth leader in Ijora, Adams Aremu, described the outcome as a reflection of Meranda’s popularity and grassroots acceptance within the constituency.

He stated that several projects and empowerment initiatives executed by the lawmaker across different wards contributed to the support she received during the primary.

Another APC official, Joseph Layode, said party members and residents had expressed satisfaction with her performance through their votes.

According to him, Meranda’s political profile within the state continues to rise, adding that she could eventually become Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

A delegate, Folasade Ojomo, also backed Meranda’s return, saying continuity would benefit the constituency.

In a separate result announced from an earlier exercise conducted across the five wards in Apapa Constituency I, Meranda reportedly polled 6,062 votes, while her closest challenger, Ayo Vaughan, secured 1,385 votes.

Reacting to her victory in a statement issued on Thursday, the deputy speaker dedicated the win to APC members and supporters across the constituency.

“To the leaders of our great party, the dedicated delegates, my political family, and the good people of Apapa Constituency I, I express my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming show of love, trust, and confidence reposed in me at the just concluded APC primaries,” she said.

“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every person who believes in our shared vision of progress, unity, and purposeful representation. Your support humbles me and strengthens my resolve to continue serving with diligence, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our constituency.”

Meranda also assured constituents of her continued commitment to their welfare and development.

“I do not take this renewed mandate for granted, and by the grace of God, I will continue to work tirelessly for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our people,” she added.

Former Kano State governor and National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has denied claims that he is secretly working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso made the statement during an interview with Global TV, where he described those spreading the allegation as people who do not understand politics.

He said, “Only fools will believe that we are working for Tinubu. My supporters and I are working for the NDC and for what we believe will benefit Nigerians.”

The former presidential candidate explained that although he has maintained a long-standing relationship with Tinubu, this does not imply that they share the same political ideology.

According to him, both men have known each other for many years, but each belongs to a different political camp.

Kwankwaso also accused some close associates of the president of concealing the true state of the country from him.

He claimed that instead of focusing on addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, some presidential aides are more concerned with persuading governors and politicians to join the APC.

The NDC leader also spoke about his alliance with Peter Obi in the new political coalition.

Kwankwaso said the decision to support Obi followed careful consultations and political calculations, adding that they considered him the most suitable candidate from southern Nigeria.

He added that the coalition still has enough time before the 2027 general election to reach Nigerians and clarify issues surrounding the rumours being circulated against them.

According to him, the alliance is focused on providing quality leadership and offering Nigerians an alternative to the country’s current challenges.