By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Despite mounting speculation over a purported new Local Government Administration Law allegedly signed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday, June 13, incumbent Chairperson of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Hon. Samiat Bada, has moved ahead with her re-election campaign under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The alleged law, which remains unconfirmed by official state channels, has stirred debate across Lagos political circles. It is believed by some to have potential implications for the eligibility of certain candidates, including Bada, in the forthcoming July 12 local government elections.
Key lawmakers representing Kosofe Constituencies I and II – Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon and Hon. Femi Saheed – have yet to publicly address the controversy, further fueling speculation. Meanwhile, party stakeholders and residents remain divided on the possible impact of the law.
Undeterred by the political uncertainty, Bada and her campaign team commenced a series of strategic engagements with traditional and religious leaders in what her supporters described as a “traditional and spiritual launch” of the election season.
On Thursday, the APC campaign team paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel Alamu Kehinde Onikosi, the Onikosi of Ikosi and Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ikosi-Kosofe. The visit, according to insiders, was to seek royal blessings and guidance ahead of the intense political activities leading up to the election.
The campaign train also stopped at the Ikosi-Isheri Central Mosque, where they met with the League of Imams and Alfas, led by Imam Ismail Balogun. Special prayers were offered for a peaceful and successful election process.
Observers say the early and bold kickoff of Bada’s campaign suggests a calculated move to project confidence and resilience in the face of political headwinds.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the existence and content of the alleged Local Government Administration Law continues to dominate political discourse. With no confirmation or official clarification yet from the Lagos State House of Assembly or the Governor’s Office, stakeholders have called for transparency and clear communication to quell growing tension.
As the July 12 election date draws nearer, all eyes remain on the APC and state authorities for clarification that could shape the future of the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and broader Lagos grassroots governance.