By Bilesanmi Abayomi
With preparations intensifying for the upcoming Local Government elections in Lagos State, at least 26 individuals have so far declared interest in contesting for Chairmanship seats across the three councils under the Kosofe Federal Constituency.
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The elections, expected to hold between June and July, will take place across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). In Kosofe, a politically active constituency, aspirants have begun to emerge in Kosofe Local Government, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.
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Political observers suggest that the list of contenders may narrow in the coming weeks, as some aspirants are likely to step down in favour of consensus candidates or withdraw voluntarily as political negotiations continue.
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In Kosofe Local Government, incumbent Chairman Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe is seeking re-election. He faces competition from aspirants including Rabiu Olayinka, Olarenwaju Balogun, Ibrahim Bakare, and Olusegun Apena.
In Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, top contenders include Secretary to the Local Government, Ganiu Fatai, and Council Legislative Majority Leader, Saheed Omogbolahan. Others in the race are Hon. Abiodun Ogungbo, Babatunde Muyideen Durosimi, Mutiu Kalejaiye, Joseph Opabola, Shakiru Balogun, Dare Lawson, SP Olowe, and former Secretary to the Local Government, Gbenga Osobu.
In Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, incumbent Chairperson Samiat Bada is widely expected to seek another term. Challengers include former Vice Chairmen Bola Kazeem and Abbey Martins, former Sole Administrator Babatunde Adetunji, and a host of others such as Adeyemi Adeyemo, Bidemi Akintunde-Stainless, Toyin Balogun, Adetunji Adebajo, Seyi Odufowokan, Tosin Hussein, and Abideen Fasisi.
While the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is yet to officially release election guidelines and timelines, political consultations and grassroots mobilisations are already in full swing.
According to findings by Kosofe Post, a number of additional aspirants are expected to declare interest once LASIEC issues the formal notice of election.
As the race heats up, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the balance of power plays out across the councils in what is shaping up to be a highly contested local government election cycle.