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.

Also read: Adunni Offers Olive Branch to Co-Aspirants, Advocates Unity in APC Mosan Okunola

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.