The deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, secured victory in the All Progressives Congress House of Assembly primary for Apapa Constituency I.
She garnered 2,926 votes to beat three other contenders in the exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The primaries took place at Ijora Oloye Nursery and Primary School, Ijora, on Wednesday and commenced around 1:00 pm. The exercise was peaceful despite the heavy turnout.
Delegates and party agents arrived from 9:00 am, while personnel of the DSS, police, and NSCDC maintained security at the venue.
The four aspirants contesting the ticket were Meranda, Esan Adedotun, Mike Egbayelo, and Elizabeth Toluwalope.
Meranda arrived at the venue around 12:45 pm to applause from supporters. She said, “I thank you all for the support; it is massive.”
The APC youth leader in Ijora, Adams Aremu, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Meranda had solid grassroots backing and described the primaries as a “victory day” for her.
He stated that her projects across the constituency spanned several wards and had earned broad community support, including assistance for small businesses.
Another party official, Joseph Layode, said residents expressed their preference through the ballot and commended her performance in office. He said, “She could become the next Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”
A delegate, Folasade Ojomo, said continuity remained the best option for the constituency and endorsed Meranda’s leadership.
In a separate outcome from an earlier exercise conducted across five wards in Apapa Constituency I, Meranda also secured 6,062 votes, defeating her closest challenger, Ayo Vaughan, who received 1,385 votes.
Meranda dedicated the win to party members in the constituency.
She said in a statement on Thursday, “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.
“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.”
She also promised to keep working in the interest of her constituents.
She said, “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.”
