By Aderemi Coker
The recent decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State to once again field Mayoress Abolanle Bada as chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has provoked widespread concern among residents and political observers alike. Having served five years as vice chairman and six years as chairman, her re-nomination smacks of a third-term agenda—a move that fundamentally challenges both the rule of law and democratic accountability.
Legal Overreach: Bending the Law Beyond Recognition
The Lagos State Local Government Administration Law—much like the Nigerian Constitution—limits elected local officials to two terms in office. While legal loopholes might technically be exploited to justify this latest bid, the spirit of the law is clear: leadership rotation is essential to democracy. Prolonged political dominance through backdoor tactics erodes trust in the system.
“People are tired,” said a resident of the LCDA who asked to remain anonymous for fear of political reprisal. “It’s not about gender or continuity—it’s about fairness and respecting the rules.”
Political Misjudgment: Disregarding Grassroots Sentiment
In Ikosi-Isheri today, the political tide is shifting. APC’s local base is restless, and the imposition of a long-serving chairman is igniting quiet protests. Citizens, especially youths, are questioning whether their voices still matter in a system increasingly monopolized by a handful of political elites.
The party risks low voter turnout, internal sabotage, and even defections if it continues to ignore widespread discontent. APC must not allow its internal processes to become breeding grounds for political stagnation.
Ethical Breakdown: When Public Service Becomes Political Ownership
Bada’s re-nomination sends the wrong message to millions of aspiring leaders, especially in Lagos: that power is inherited, not earned. It contradicts APC’s own rhetoric about youth inclusion and progressive governance.
One public record shows she has spent over a decade in the council’s top ranks, yet residents still complain about “incomplete road projects,” “poor waste management,” and a “disconnect from the grassroots.”
Conclusion: The Future of APC and the Credibility Test
APC must urgently reconsider this nomination. The rule of law, political fairness, and public confidence are on the line. A third-term by stealth cannot be allowed to stand—not in Ikosi-Isheri, not in Lagos, and not in a democracy that aims to evolve.
Author Bio:
Aderemi Coker is a public affairs analyst and a concerned resident of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA. He writes on governance, accountability, and citizen participation in local politics. He can be reached at
