By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A coalition of concerned residents and registered voters in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has petitioned the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the state’s Attorney-General, calling for the immediate disqualification of incumbent Chairman, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, from contesting in the July 12, 2025, local government elections.
In a letter dated June 24 and signed by Barrister Olamipo Adeniyi, the group cited alleged violations of the newly enacted Lagos State Local Government Administrative Law. The law, signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 7, 2025, limits any individual from serving more than two executive terms in local government office.
According to the petitioners, Bada’s tenure—spanning five years as Vice Chairman (including time served as Acting Chairman) and six years as substantive Chairman—exceeds the legally permissible term limit.
The group criticised Bada’s continued pursuit of her candidacy, describing it as “a blatant disregard for the law,” and dismissed a legal opinion reportedly provided by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Ogala, which they claim attempts to justify her eligibility.
“We remind all parties that no individual is above the law, and the enforcement of this statute is not optional,” the group declared in its statement.
The coalition made three core demands:
- Immediate disqualification of Bada’s candidacy by the APC screening committee.
- Public clarification by LASIEC affirming its commitment to the new law.
- Legal action to compel compliance and prevent what they termed “abuse of electoral laws.”
They warned that failure to act would lead to legal action and a wave of civil and political resistance.
As the election date nears, the situation adds further tension to political activities in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and casts a spotlight on how electoral laws will be enforced across Lagos State. Neither LASIEC nor APC officials had issued a response at the time of filing this report.