By KP Reporter
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday officially presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag to Hon. Samiat Abolanle Bada as the party’s recognised chairmanship candidate for Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State.
The symbolic presentation, which took place at the State House in Marina, saw 57 APC chairmanship candidates across the state receive their flags in a show of unity and electoral readiness. Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to grassroots development and party cohesion during the high-level engagement.
However, political tension lingers in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, as the Coalition of Chairmanship Aspirants, a group within the APC vehemently opposed to Bada’s candidacy, maintained conspicuous silence following the flag presentation. The group has neither issued a congratulatory message nor held any public briefing, despite its earlier praise for the newly enacted Lagos State Local Government Administration Law—a law that introduces tenure restrictions seen by many as affecting Bada’s eligibility.
Observers note the group’s silence as significant, especially given its history of vocal opposition to Bada’s re-election bid. Critics within the coalition argue that Bada’s cumulative time in office—first as vice chairman, then as substantive chairman—exceeds what the new law permits.
During the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Prince Ibrahim Oladega, APC chairmanship aspirant for Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, calling on party members to embrace unity.
“Let’s be united and be a happy aspirant like Prince Ladega,” the governor said, applauding Oladega’s conduct.
With the July 12 election fast approaching, attention now shifts to how internal dissent within the APC in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA will be managed in the face of mounting pressure and public scrutiny.