By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The political landscape of Kosofe Local Government Area in Lagos State has taken a dramatic turn following the announcement by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct elections in the state’s 20 constitutionally recognized local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The development comes amid a contentious attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, to amend the Local Government Administrative Law. The proposed amendment sought to transform LCDAs into administrative councils overseen by gubernatorial appointees, a move that sparked protests from various stakeholders.
The lack of broad consultation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor’s Advisory Council and other key political actors caused tensions to escalate, leading to disruptions in political campaigns. Aspirants eyeing LCDA positions suspended their activities, while others recalibrated their ambitions to target the 20 local governments recognized in the Nigerian constitution, including Kosofe. This shift created uncertainty for incumbent Kosofe Chairman, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, who faced stiff competition for the APC ticket.
However, recent high-level stakeholder engagements led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and APC leaders, alongside assurances from APC State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have provided a lifeline for Ogunlewe. With heavyweight contestants returning to their respective LCDAs, the focus in Kosofe has narrowed to a few contenders.
Sources within the APC suggest the odds favor Ogunlewe’s bid for a second term. Yet, his challengers continue to campaign vigorously, promising people-centric policies and impactful projects to transform Kosofe.