By KP Reporter
The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to field Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada as its chairmanship candidate for the upcoming July 12, 2025 local government elections has triggered a wave of unexpected celebration — not within APC circles, but among opposition parties in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Reacting to the development, Hon. Okufuwa Samad Oluwatoyin, a prominent figure in the Labour Party and vocal political commentator in the area, dismissed Bada’s candidacy as legally flawed and politically advantageous to opposition forces.
Referencing a recent viral video by Barrister Ogala, Okufuwa said:
“The point that the law takes effect immediately after it is enacted is both obvious and trite. As of today, the 21st of June, 2025, Princess Samiat Bada is ineligible to contest as chairman of Ikosi-Isheri.”
He expressed disbelief that the issue remained a topic of debate within APC circles, adding:
“I wonder why that item is still a source of discussion and argument.”
While many APC members continue to defend Bada’s eligibility—despite the enactment of a controversial local government administration law signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—Okufuwa made it clear that the opposition views the party’s move as a political miscalculation.
“Well… as an opposition member, it really doesn’t concern me. In fact, it will be much better and beneficial to opposition political parties in Ikosi-Isheri if she is actually the APC flag bearer for the July 12th election,” he stated pointedly.
He concluded his remarks with the Yoruba expression, “Ko kan aiye,” meaning “it doesn’t concern the world,” suggesting that the ruling party’s internal decisions could ultimately backfire.
Princess Samiat Bada, who assumed office in 2020 and secured a fresh mandate in 2021, is now facing increasing scrutiny over her eligibility for what critics describe as an unconstitutional third term. The newly enacted law is widely interpreted to disqualify any candidate who has taken the oath of office twice.
With the election date fast approaching, political observers are closely monitoring how APC will navigate the internal and legal storm, and whether opposition parties can capitalise on the growing discontent within the ruling party’s ranks.