By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As the Lagos State House of Assembly moves to transform Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into Administrative Councils, the number of aspirants eyeing the Kosofe Local Government Council seat has surged. The amendment to the Local Government Administration Law, set to affect 37 LCDAs across the state, has sparked political maneuvers among local politicians, especially in Kosofe, one of the largest LCDAs.
Under the new law, the 37 LCDAs, including Kosofe LCDAs, will become Area Administrative Councils, leaving only 20 Local Governments constitutionally recognized by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This shift in governance will bring significant changes, including the appointment of Administrative Secretaries to lead the Area Councils, rather than elected chairpersons.
Key Provisions Driving the Political Shift Among the critical points generating buzz are:
- The 20 Local Governments, including Kosofe, will remain constitutionally recognized, while the LCDAs will be restructured as Area Administrative Councils.
- Administrative Secretaries for each Area Council will be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- The new Area Administrative Councils will retain similar duties to Local Governments, but with added responsibilities based on state laws and executive directives from the Governor.
- State joint accounts will be used to allocate funds, with essential services like waste disposal and salaries of local government staff being prioritized.
These amendments have stirred up political activity in Kosofe, with many former LCDA chairpersons and new aspirants declaring their intent to run for the newly streamlined Local Government positions in the 2025 elections.
Political Reactions and Aspirations Political insiders say the upcoming changes could reshape the local political landscape, as former LCDA chairpersons may lose direct leadership opportunities and instead contend for positions in the restructured councils. With Kosofe set to remain one of the constitutionally recognized Local Governments, the race for its chairmanship has become a hotbed of activity, as aspirants begin consultations and strategic planning.
This overhaul is expected to bring increased competition, particularly from sitting LCDA leaders hoping to transition to positions in the Kosofe Local Government Council, which will continue to play a central role in local governance.