Aggrieved APC aspirants in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA are protesting the alleged third-term bid of incumbent Mayoress Princess Samiat Bolanle Bada for the Lagos LG polls, citing constitutional violations and inconsistent party rules
Protests continue to dog the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for the upcoming local council elections in Lagos State.
The latest outcry comes from 13 aggrieved Chairmanship aspirants in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), who have voiced strong displeasure over the nomination of the incumbent Chairman, Princess Samiat Bolanle Bada, as the party’s candidate.
According to thegazellenews.com, Princess Bada was officially listed as the party’s choice after the primary elections held on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The 13 aspirants have submitted a strongly-worded petition to the state APC Electoral Committee, condemning Bada’s nomination.
Copies of the petition were also dispatched to high-ranking officials including President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the state Assembly Rt. Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, and the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi.
The petitioners, including Toyin Wasiu Balogun, Abiodun Anna Martins, and Princess Bola Kazeem, among others, signed the petition dated Monday, May 12, 2025.
Titled: “Petition Against the Unconstitutional Third-term Bid of Princess Samiat Bada on Forthcoming Local Government Elections,” the petition outlines six grounds for their demand for Bada’s disqualification.
This provision of the Law became operational in 2018 which was after the Jonathan era which ended in 2015.
The core of their protest, as reported by thegazellenews.com, revolves around:
Violation of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended): The aspirants cite the Fourth Alteration Number 16 (signed into Law in 2018), which stipulates that a local government elected official is entitled to only two terms.
They argue that Princess Bada has been sworn-in twice (first in 2019 after succeeding late Fatai Oyesanya, and again in 2021 after being elected), thus rendering her ineligible.
Inconsistencies in Party Rules Enforcement: The petitioners accuse the APC of applying a “no third term” rule in Agbado-Okeodo LCDA (where incumbent Chairman David Famuyiwa was barred due to a similar situation) but failing to enforce the same rule in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.
Erosion of Internal Democracy: They contend that the inconsistent application of rules disenfranchises loyal and qualified party members.
Tenure Exceeds Constitutional Limits: The aspirants argue that if Bada wins, she would exceed the specified tenure, having already served six years as Chairman and six years as Vice Chairman previously.
Imposition Without Proper Electoral Process: The aspirants accuse the local APC chapter of imposing Bada’s candidacy without consultation with the other 15 aspirants who collected forms.
Widespread Public Disapproval: They claim residents and stakeholders in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA are largely unhappy with the situation.
The aggrieved aspirants are seeking Bada’s disqualification by the electoral committee and a direct intervention from President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Speaker Obasa, and the GAC. While reaffirming their loyalty to the party, they emphasized the need for their grievances to be heard.
When contacted, the state APC informed thegazellenews.com that their legal team had cleared Princess Bada, arguing that her first tenure was merely to complete her deceased boss’s term.
However, the aspirants countered this by referencing the 2018 constitutional amendment, which they say post-dates similar past scenarios like that of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
As the arguments persist, thegazellenews.com suggests that the dispute may ultimately be settled by the law courts.
APC Tinubu achievements publicity push gains momentum as Governor Oyebanji urges party leaders to highlight federal policies and reforms at grassroots level(more…)
The Lagos State House of Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, citing landmark reforms and achievements recorded under his administration and pledging to mobilise resources to ensure his re-election.
The motion was moved by Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday, April 28.
After Hon. Ajomale’s motion, the legislators, one after the other, rose to trumpet the significant strides made under Tinubu’s leadership. They pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy, a bold reform that has saved the nation trillions of naira annually and redirected funds into infrastructure and social welfare. They also commended the unification of exchange rates, which has boosted transparency and attracted foreign investment inflows, stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.
The lawmakers praised the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has expanded access to higher education for millions of Nigerian youths. They noted that this initiative has provided unprecedented opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.
Infrastructure development was also a major talking point. Members cited the rehabilitation of refineries and the expansion of major projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor. These projects, they argued, are not only improving connectivity across the country but also creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Economic diplomacy under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was lauded, with lawmakers referencing the billions of dollars in foreign direct investment commitments secured from the United Kingdom, United States, and other global partners. They stressed that these investments are critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth and industrialisation agenda.
Food security initiatives were equally acknowledged. The Assembly noted the removal of import duties on rice and wheat, alongside the release of grain reserves to cushion the impact of inflation on households. These measures, they said, demonstrate the administration’s responsiveness to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
Speaker Obasa, in his closing remarks, affirmed that the resolution reflects Lagos’ leadership role among state legislatures nationwide. He declared that President Tinubu’s administration has delivered “tangible and impactful achievements” across sectors.
“From stabilising our economy through subsidy reforms to empowering our youths with education loans, President Tinubu has renewed the hope of Nigerians. Lagos, as a pace-setter, stands firmly behind his second-term bid. If other political parties want to contest, they must first tell Nigerians what they achieved when given the chance to govern,” Obasa stated.
The Speaker emphasised that the endorsement was not merely symbolic but a demonstration of the Assembly’s unity and commitment to progress. He noted that Lagos has always been at the forefront of legislative innovation and political leadership, and this resolution further cements its role as a trailblazer among state assemblies.
In a related development, the Assembly confirmed new appointments within its administrative ranks. Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, formerly Deputy Clerk, was announced as the new Clerk of the House, making history as the first female to occupy the position. Her appointment was described as a recognition of her dedication and years of service to the Assembly.
Other confirmations included Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer, former Deputy Director, Legislative, as Deputy Clerk; Mrs. Latifat Ogbara as substantive Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM), Mr. Remi Bello as Commissioner in LAHASCOM, and Mrs Adeola Victoria Modupe as Secretary to the Commission. These appointments, according to the Speaker, strengthen the Assembly’s administrative capacity and underscore its commitment to effective governance.
The Speaker congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity. He stressed that the Assembly’s administrative reforms will enhance efficiency and ensure that the legislature continues to serve the people of Lagos effectively.
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