The publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, widely known as Omoatitebi, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Lagos Island Constituency II seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajagbe, who will be seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, announced his political ambition during a press briefing in Lagos attended by journalists and supporters.

The declaration marks a transition from media practice to elective politics, as the veteran publisher positions himself for legislative representation within one of Lagos State’s most politically active constituencies.

From the Newsroom to the Legislative Arena

With decades of experience covering politics and governance in Lagos, Ajagbe said his decision to seek elective office was motivated by encouragement from constituents, particularly young people who have engaged with his grassroots initiatives.

According to him, his years of reporting on legislative affairs have given him a deep understanding of the workings of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“My humble self and my media platform have been reporting Lagos politics effectively for decades.
I understand the doctrine, politics and lawmaking processes of the Assembly and I am prepared to deliver effective representation,” Ajagbe told journalists.

He described the aspiration as an opportunity to translate media experience and community engagement into public service, adding that his ambition is rooted in a desire to contribute to the development of Lagos Island.

Political Background and Grassroots Experience

Ajagbe is not new to Lagos Island politics. He previously contested for a councillorship seat in Ward E3 of Lagos Island East LCDA, where he gained grassroots political exposure.

He later served as Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, a role that provided deeper experience in local governance and political administration.

Beyond advisory responsibilities, Ajagbe has also contributed to political documentation and advocacy within the ruling party.

Among his notable initiatives was the 2011 Lagos Island APC Almanac, a political publication profiling party leaders, local government executives and ward chairmen across the constituency.

The publication became a reference document during party primaries and grassroots political mobilisation.

Political Advocacy and Community Projects

Ajagbe has also undertaken several political documentation projects aimed at promoting governance and representation within Lagos State.

These include the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Golden Frame, a curated political portrait of key leaders within the ruling party across the state’s senatorial districts. The frame was formally presented to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

In a separate initiative promoting women’s political participation, Ajagbe produced the “80 Distinguished Female Political Office Holders Frame in Lagos State”, highlighting women who have held political offices in the state since 1999.

The project was unveiled by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

Ajagbe is also known for initiating The Great Islanders, a political discussion platform bringing together political stakeholders from Lagos Island to exchange views on governance and national politics.

Early Support Within Party Structures

Following his declaration, Ajagbe received early endorsements from party stakeholders in Lagos Island Constituency II.

Leaders within the All Progressives Congress described him as a committed party member with a long history of supporting the party’s communication and mobilisation efforts.

According to the APC Leadership Forum in Lagos Island Constituency II, Ajagbe’s entry into the race reflects the increasing participation of younger political actors within the party.

Party officials also acknowledged his contributions to political communication and grassroots mobilisation through his media platform.

A Legislative Contest Taking Shape

With the 2027 electoral cycle gradually approaching, Ajagbe’s declaration adds momentum to what could become a competitive contest for the Lagos Island Constituency II Assembly seat.

Political observers say his background in journalism, digital communications and grassroots political engagement may provide him with a distinctive platform as the race evolves.

However, the contest remains at an early stage, with the party primary process yet to begin.

For now, Ajagbe’s entry signals the growing intersection between media influence, grassroots activism and legislative politics in Lagos State.

BRANDECONOMY Insight

Ajagbe’s entry into the Lagos State House of Assembly race reflects a broader trend within Nigerian politics: the migration of professionals from media, civil society and technology sectors into elective governance.

1. Media Practitioners Moving Into Politics

Across Nigeria, journalists and media entrepreneurs increasingly view politics as a natural extension of public advocacy. Their experience in agenda-setting, policy discourse and public engagement often provides an advantage in political communication.

2. Lagos Politics Remains Highly Organised

Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s most structured political environments, with strong party networks and internal power blocs shaping candidate selection.

Success in the 2027 race will therefore depend not only on public visibility but also on strategic alignment within party structures.

3. Youth Mobilisation Could Become a Key Factor

Ajagbe’s appeal to youth participation reflects an emerging shift in Lagos politics where younger voters and digital communities are beginning to influence political conversations.

If mobilised effectively, these networks could play a significant role in future legislative contests in urban constituencies such as Lagos Island.