Fielding a deeply unpopular incumbent for a third term not only undermines Lagos APC’s credibility but also threatens the very principles of...
Fielding a deeply unpopular incumbent for a third term not only undermines Lagos APC’s credibility but also threatens the very principles of democracy
By Aderemi Coker
Bada has already served five years as vice chairman and another six years as chairman. Her latest re-nomination is being widely viewed as a third-term bid in all but name. And while legal justifications may be floated, the broader message is clear: the APC appears willing to bend democratic principles for the sake of political convenience.
A Legal Stretch That Breaks Public Trust
Both the Nigerian Constitution and the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law are clear on term limits: elected local government officials are not to exceed two terms in office. While some may argue that Bada’s earlier term as vice chairman technically gives room for another run, the spirit of the law is unmistakable—democracy demands periodic change in leadership.
“This isn’t about gender or continuity,” one local resident said, requesting anonymity. “It’s about fairness. We’re watching leaders rewrite the rules to suit themselves.”
The sentiment is spreading, and it’s not just from political outsiders. Many within the APC are increasingly concerned about the optics and implications of what’s being viewed as a backdoor third term.
Disconnect at the Grassroots
In Ikosi-Isheri, discontent is quietly brewing. Youths, community leaders, and even longtime party loyalists are voicing their frustration with a system that seems to reward entrenchment over performance.
“What’s the point of elections if the outcome is pre-arranged?” asked another resident, clearly exasperated. “We feel like passengers in our own democracy.”
This move by the APC risks alienating its base at a critical moment. With local elections fast approaching, the party could face apathy at the polls, voter boycotts, or even quiet sabotage from within. The imposition of unpopular candidates has long been a recipe for political decline.
When Public Service Turns Into Personal Tenure
Bada’s lengthy presence at the top of the LCDA—over a decade in total—raises another serious concern: the perception that public office is now a private inheritance. This undermines the credibility of the APC’s frequent calls for youth inclusion and progressive governance.
Despite her long tenure, complaints about “incomplete road projects,” “inefficient waste management,” and a “disconnect from the grassroots” persist among residents. These issues point to a deeper problem: leadership fatigue.
The decision to re-nominate Bada sends a troubling message to young, capable aspirants—that no matter how hard they work or how qualified they are, the top jobs are reserved for a chosen few.
What’s at Stake for APC
The APC in Lagos is facing a defining moment. If it proceeds with this nomination, it risks not just losing political ground but also damaging its credibility in the eyes of the public. A party that once rode on the back of reform and change now appears to be recycling old faces and old practices.
This is more than a local council issue. It’s a test of the APC’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and democratic renewal.
For the sake of the party’s future—and the health of our local democracy—it’s time to reconsider. Third terms, whether blatant or disguised, have no place in a democracy that seeks to grow. Not in Ikosi-Isheri. Not in Lagos. Not anywhere.
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 [email protected].
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