The death of Senator Bayo Osinowo who gave in to COVID19  created a vacuum in the Lagos State’s senatorial structure as Ambode, Abike Dabiri, Gbenga Ashafa, jostle for his job.

There is however no official announcement yet for and election to replace him. However, a few names have been dropped within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as possible candidates.

They include the former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Director-General, Nigerians in Diaspora and former member House of Representatives, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Former Senator who occupied the seat before Osinowo, Gbenga Ashafa; former 2-time Lagos State Commissioner, Tinubu arc loyalist and APC leader in the Lagos East, Tola Kasali; serving House of Representative member, brilliant and astute politician, Jimi Benson.

All of the mentioned candidates have strong enough credentials and pedigree to take on the job.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party has also commenced permutations for a possible candidate. Considering their poor performance in the last elections, it would have been inconceivable that they attempt to try once more. This is in view of how poorly Princess Abiodun Oyefusi faired in the 2019 attempt.

Notwithstanding, Babatunde Gbadamosi, one of the very strong governorship aspirants who recently joined PDP, appears to be a strong contender against the APC. The chances for PDP remain slim still considering the very strong backing of APC from the centre as well as the dogged efforts of regional and state powers to hold on to Lagos. 

All said, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC master strategist and party leader will likely support someone with a strong presence in Abuja. He will throw his weight behind the one person who is popular in the Lagos East Senatorial district. It will be that one person with pedigree whose campaign and election will cost the party little or nothing. 

Every single APC potential candidate so far, fits the bill and opens the contest for an interesting scenario.

Whatever the case may be, the ring is set, Ambode, Abike Dabiri, Gbenga Ashafa, Jimi Benson and just maybe, Babatunde Gbadamosi are candidates to watch as they jostle for this one slot.

Current Governor of Bayelsa State’s emergence has presented strange political possibilities, so maybe and just maybe, PDP might emerge miraculously.

 

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Senator Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo is Dead