Political tension is building in Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a civil society organisation, the Justice Forum, has openly rejected the reported fourth-term ambition of the lawmaker representing the area, Babajimi Benson.
Benson, who currently chairs the House Committee on Defence, is serving his third consecutive term in the House of Representatives, having first been elected in 2015 and subsequently re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
However, his continued stay in office has drawn criticism from sections of his constituency, with calls growing louder for a change in representation after what would amount to 12 years in office by 2027.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Vice Chairman of the Justice Forum and Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Igbogbo Bayeku Local Government Development Area, Mrs Ibiyemi Sani, said opposition to Benson’s ambition is spreading across different segments of the constituency.
“What began as quiet conversations has now turned into open discontent across youth groups, community stakeholders, and political observers. The mood across the constituency reflects a growing resistance to any move that would further extend his (Benson’s) long stay in office.”
The statement noted that Benson’s continued representation beyond 2027 would stretch his tenure to 16 years, a prospect many stakeholders consider excessive.
“Benson, who has represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency since 2015 through victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, is already completing 12 years in office. Stakeholders argue that any attempt to return for another term would push his continuous legislative tenure toward 16 years—a development they describe as excessive and unacceptable within a democratic setting.
“Many residents insist that such prolonged representation undermines political renewal and limits opportunities for other qualified individuals within the constituency. Leadership must not be concentrated in one individual for such an extended period.”
The agitation has also revived longstanding conversations around zoning, religious balance, and internal party dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sani pointed to what she described as a historical pattern in the constituency’s representation, referencing the tenure of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency for three terms between 2003 and 2015.
“Stakeholders have pointed out that after her 12-year tenure, the seat was eventually taken over by Babajimi Benson, a Christian, who has also now served three consecutive terms since 2015. This sequence reflects a pattern of representation that should be respected.
“The debate has also extended into zoning and constituency balance, with growing calls that Ikorodu Constituency 1 should now produce the next representative, as many believe Constituency 2 has held a significant advantage in recent electoral cycles. Stakeholders argue that failure to address this imbalance would amount to political exclusion.
“Within party structures, tension is equally visible. There are increasing demands for fairness in candidate emergence, with stakeholders insisting that it is the turn of the Justice Forum to produce a candidate after years of influence by the Mandate Group in political positioning within the constituency.”
The pushback against Benson’s expected re-election bid did not emerge overnight. Over the past two years, political actors, youth groups, and community leaders in Ikorodu have increasingly argued that the constituency is due for a fresh face after over a decade under the same representation.
While Benson retains a loyal base and is widely regarded as a strong ally of Bola Tinubu, critics say the concentration of political power in one individual for an extended period risks stifling internal democracy and limiting opportunities for emerging leaders.
The debate has been further shaped by the influence of political blocs within the Lagos APC, particularly the rivalry—often subtle—between groups such as the Justice Forum and the Mandate Group, both of which have historically played key roles in candidate selection and grassroots mobilisation.
For many stakeholders, the 2027 election represents more than a routine contest; it is seen as a test of the constituency’s commitment to rotation, inclusion, and political balance.
Efforts to obtain a response from Benson were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him were not acknowledged as of the time of filing this report.
With the 2027 race gradually taking shape, the unfolding dispute signals what could become a keenly contested battle—not just between parties, but within the ranks of the ruling party in one of Lagos State’s most politically active constituencies.
