By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Community Developer and Social Critic, Oloye Salami Oluwaseun, has urged citizens to seek judicial interpretation regarding the recently assented law limiting presidents and governors to one term if their predecessor ran on the same ticket.
Salami’s call comes in response to a reported legal opinion suggesting that federal laws and INEC electoral regulations, intended for Presidents and Governors, may not extend to Local Government and LCDA positions. He emphasized the need for citizens to seek legal clarification, considering the intricacies involved.
“The law is a federal law created by the act of the national assembly of Nigeria. In my opinion, LCDA, being a creation of the state house of assembly, cannot be exempted from this law,” Salami stated. However, he acknowledged that citizens might have a reason to seek judicial interpretation if necessary.
While endorsing Kosofe Local Government Chairman Moyosore Ogunlewe for a second term, Salami refrained from endorsing any candidate for the Ikosi Isheri LCDA 2025 Chairmanship election, asserting that the party leadership would decide at the appropriate time.
Prominent All Progressives Congress member, Lanre Aborisade, echoed the sentiment that executives at all government levels can only be sworn in twice. He emphasized that the constitution provides no exceptional case for Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, bringing attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the intentions of the LCDA Chairman, Samiat Bada, who has taken the oath of office twice.
As the debate unfolds, attention is drawn to party leaders in the Governor Advisory Council from Kosofe, including Otunba Bushira Alebiosu and Omoba Olumuyuwa Sosanya, to make a decisive statement as custodians of the party. Opposition parties, keenly observing the situation, are poised to capitalize on any legal loopholes that may arise, waiting patiently for the APC to present a candidate with dual oaths as potential grounds for legal challenges.