By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A resurfaced political broadcast circulating widely on WhatsApp has triggered fresh debate in Lagos political circles, particularly in the Kosofe axis, as a quote attributed to Hon. Samiat Bada—Chairperson of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA)—reignites controversy over third-term ambitions.
The message, reportedly shared by Habibat Oyelowo Asake, references an old political position once championed by Hon. Bada, popularly known as “Mayores,” in which she firmly opposed third-term bids by a number of prominent politicians. Her alleged rallying cry—“No 3rd term for…”—was said to have been directed at several high-profile figures, including:
Hon. Bush Alebiosu, now Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development and a former two-term federal lawmaker
Hon. Adeyeye Ajibayo, former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly (Kosofe II)
Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former representative, Lagos East Senatorial District
Senator Gbenga Ashafa, another former Lagos East senator
Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, immediate past member of the House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency
Ironically, critics now accuse Bada of plotting a third-term bid herself, following her selection as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming July 12 local government elections—despite having served as Vice Chair and subsequently completing the tenure of her late predecessor before securing her own full term in 2021.
The broadcast ends with a sharp retort: “But the constitution now says No 3rd term for Mayores.”
Observers say the twist of fate presents a potent case study on political consistency—or the lack thereof—in Nigeria’s evolving democracy. Analysts argue that such historical messages, once brushed aside, are now gaining traction in an era of increasing digital political accountability.
“What we are seeing is a reminder that political memory is long, and voters are becoming more conscious of past utterances,” one analyst told Kosofe Post. “The question is no longer just about eligibility, but moral credibility.”
The situation has amplified calls for transparency and a clear interpretation of the recently signed Lagos State Local Government Administration Law, which seeks to limit terms for those who assumed office via succession.
As the political tempo rises ahead of the polls, the resurfaced “Mayores” message has become a talking point across Kosofe’s wards—reinforcing the age-old lesson in Nigerian politics: the past always catches up.