By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has formally reaffirmed Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada as its flagbearer for the July 12, 2025 local government elections in Lagos State.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the APC LGA Chairman, Alhaji Alli Olatunbosun, cautioned that any party member parading themselves as an alternative candidate would be expelled from all party platforms and may face disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution.
SEE: Ogala Declares Samiat Bada Legally Eligible for Re-Election Amid Tenure Debate
The declaration comes amid weeks of internal wrangling within the APC, with a Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants and their supporters voicing strong opposition to Bada’s candidacy. The group had accused party leaders of manipulating the selection process, especially in light of the recently enacted Local Government Administration Law signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The new law has stirred controversy, particularly a clause widely believed to bar candidates who have taken the oath of office twice from contesting again. Critics argue that Bada, who first assumed office in 2020 following the death of her predecessor and was re-elected in 2021, falls within that category.
However, APC leaders insist that Bada’s candidacy remains valid and binding, stressing that the party stands by her and will not entertain defiance from within.
“Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada is the duly recognised and ratified candidate of our great party. Anyone attempting to create confusion or undermine this position will be sanctioned,” Olatunbosun said.
The development underscores the party’s zero-tolerance stance on internal dissent, as it looks to maintain cohesion and control ahead of a highly anticipated and competitive local government poll.
As tensions continue to simmer, observers are watching closely to see whether dissenting voices within the APC will mount further resistance or yield to the party’s directive.