By Bilesanmi Abayomi
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Primary Election slated for May 10 approaches, the political landscape in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is growing increasingly tense, marked by heightened competition and legal controversy.
At least ten aspirants have submitted their expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the April 26 deadline, signaling an intense race for the party’s ticket in the Lagos State LCDA.
Among the contenders is the incumbent chairman, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, who is seeking re-election. However, her ambition has stirred significant opposition from rival aspirants and party stakeholders who argue that she has already exceeded the allowable term in office. According to her critics, Bada has served a combined tenure of over 12 years — six years and five months as Vice Chairman and five years and nine months as Executive Chairman — and has taken the oath of office twice in the latter role.
Although Bada recently celebrated the completion of several legacy projects, the legality of her fresh bid remains a subject of heated debate. While her supporters insist that term limits only apply to constitutionally recognized local government areas and not LCDAs like Ikosi-Isheri, critics maintain that her candidacy violates the spirit of term restriction and fair rotation of leadership.
The situation is further complicated by the Lagos State House of Assembly’s delayed action on the anticipated amendment of the local government administrative law. Many political observers expected the amendment to provide legal clarity, but it remains unresolved, deepening the uncertainty around the race.
Other aspirants vying for the APC ticket include Oromidayo Balogun, Adetunji Adebajo, Prince Bidemi Akintunde, Toyin Balogun, Oluwaseyi Odufowokan, Princess Anna Abiodun Martins, Loogun Sunday Oyekunle Jegede, Tosin Hussein, and Ajayi, among others.
The APC Screening Committee is expected to begin evaluations of all aspirants between April 28 and May 2. The outcome will determine who qualifies to contest in the May 10 primary election.
As camps mobilize support and legal questions linger, the contest for Ikosi-Isheri’s chairmanship is shaping up to be one of the most contentious local political battles in recent years.