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