By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, has sparked political controversy following her call on constituents to confront federal lawmakers who have failed to deliver democratic dividends.
Bada made the statement on Friday during a solidarity rally organised by the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by Alhaji Mustapha SEGO, which served as a public endorsement of her re-election bid ahead of the July 12 local government elections.
In a now-viral video from the event, Bada, speaking in a mix of English and Yoruba, took a swipe at unnamed Senators and House of Representatives members, accusing them of abandoning their constituents after gaining access to public funds.
“There are some Senators and House of Representatives members who, once they receive money, sit quietly in Abuja. If you see them and they haven’t delivered, drag them! It’s not their father’s money,” she said.
She continued, “If your Rep member hasn’t given anything back to you, grab them and don’t vote for them again.”
Though Bada did not mention any names, political observers and party insiders have linked the comments to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the incumbent House of Representatives member for Kosofe Federal Constituency, who recently publicised the increased federal allocations to LGAs and LCDAs, sparking scrutiny over how councils utilize these funds.
The remarks have generated swift reactions. Critics, including supporters of Hon. Ogbara, accused Bada of inciting violence. One supporter, Eku Dayo, described her comments as “reckless” and “dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could escalate tensions in the area.
“This is what is happening in Ikosi-Isheri—inciting violence against those who don’t support her. Even those supporting her now may soon regret it,” Dayo told KosofePost.
However, Bada’s allies have defended her remarks, framing them as a call for political accountability and active citizenship.
“She was merely asking the people to hold their representatives accountable, not to cause violence,” one aide clarified.
With campaigns intensifying in Kosofe, the incident adds another layer to the growing friction between local and federal APC leaders, raising questions about internal party unity and the tone of political engagement ahead of the polls.
As the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) prepares for the elections, calls for responsible rhetoric and peaceful conduct are growing louder among civil society groups and concerned residents.