By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In the political landscape of Kosofe Local Government, Lanre Carew, the CEO of Farm City International, has emerged as a prominent figure, particularly noted for his significant support base during the 2021 APC Local Government primary elections and the 2023 House of Assembly general elections. His popularity contrasts sharply with aspirants who limit their political activities to seasonal poster and banner campaigns.
Recently, Carew has fully reintegrated into the grassroots of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, his experience in previous elections—where the incumbent chairman, Honourable Moyosore Ogunlewe, was favored—has led him to take a more cautious approach towards the upcoming chairmanship race.
Within the APC, notable figures such as Otunba Bushira Alebiosu, whose son, Honourable Yacoub Alebiosu, serves as the Honourable Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, initially supported Carew. However, in a move reflecting party loyalty, they shifted their backing to the Ogunlewe administration. Similarly, Omoba Ademuyiwa Sosanya’s son, Wole Sosanya, left his state public service job to serve as Kosofe Local Government Vice Chairman, a strategic move that appeased key party stakeholders.
As the local government prepares for upcoming elections, residents and opposition parties will be crucial in assessing the performance of the current administration, particularly in light of increased federal allocations and internal revenue generation over the past three years. However, within the APC, criticism from party members against the system they once benefited from is seen as counterproductive.
Historically, the APC tends to favor the re-election of first-term local government chairmen in Lagos State’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. Unless there is a damning criminal record, challenging an incumbent first-term chairman is often viewed as a wasteful exercise.
This background is not intended to dissuade potential aspirants within the APC from exercising their democratic rights but to encourage a more strategic approach, ensuring resources are not squandered on what could be a futile endeavor.