By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, has kick-started preparations for the 2026 fiscal year budget with a stakeholder consultative forum held for selected residents.
The engagement mirrors similar exercises taking place across Lagos State’s 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), reflecting a statewide commitment to public participation in budget formulation — a critical pillar of transparency and inclusive governance.
Following the consultative session, Kosofe LG will proceed to its annual Budget Retreat, where principal officials — including the Council Manager, Council Engineer, Council Treasurer, Auditor, and Heads of Departments — are expected to deliberate on community needs, spending priorities, and sectoral allocations. The resulting draft will then be submitted to the seven-member Legislative Arm.
Leader of Council, Hon. Femi Oyesile, earlier noted that councillors will convene a separate retreat to thoroughly examine the proposal before approval. By law, a two-third majority — at least five of the seven councillors — is required to pass the budget.
Internal APC Rift Threatens Smooth Passage
Despite the structured planning, political tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) pose a significant hurdle. The council is currently divided between the G4 bloc, aligned with Chairman Ogunlewe, and the G3 bloc, loyal to key political figures including Otunba Bushira Alebiosu, Omoba Ademuyiwa Sosanya, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon, and other influential party leaders.
The widening rift has raised concerns that the 2026 budget could become a casualty of internal power struggles, potentially slowing development projects and service delivery.
In response, community stakeholders and observers are urging prominent party leaders — from former ministers to federal and state legislators as well as party executives — to intervene and facilitate genuine reconciliation.
They warn that only unity within the APC will ensure a seamless budget process and guarantee that residents continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy.