Badagry elders push for governor
By Raymond Mordi, Deputy Political Editor Stakeholders from Badagry Division in Lagos State renewed their demand yesterday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should zone its 2027 governorship ticket to
By Raymond Mordi, Deputy Political Editor
Stakeholders from Badagry Division in Lagos State renewed their demand yesterday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should zone its 2027 governorship ticket to Badagry, citing fairness and the need for political inclusion.
Ninety-three-year-old elder statesman Alhaji Andu Adio led the call at a news conference, citing history and loyalty to the APC as the basis for the demand.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the emergence of a Badagry indigene as the next governor, insisting the division has waited long enough.
Adio highlighted his long involvement in Lagos politics, framing the demand as one of justice and inclusion.
“We are appealing to Asiwaju Tinubu to consider giving the people of Badagry the opportunity of producing the next governor of Lagos State,” Adio said.
He referenced his longstanding political role and collaborations, framing the agitation as about justice and inclusion.
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He argued Badagry is politically mature with credible leaders, naming Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose as the area’s consensus candidate and describing him as disciplined, experienced and committed to the APC.
“In the interest of justice and fair play, we believe it is our turn,” Adio said, stressing that the party leadership would not overlook the division’s claims.
Badagry stakeholders argued that their division is the only one among Lagos’ five traditional divisions yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation in 1967, emphasising this as the central basis of their demand.
Rafeequat Onabamiro, who represented Badagry Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, said the agitation stems from decades of political exclusion despite their consistent electoral participation.
“All other divisions have had a shot at the governorship—military or civilian. Badagry has not produced a governor, a deputy governor, a secretary to the state government, or a chief of staff. We deserve a sense of belonging,” she said.
Onabamiro connected the campaign to the ‘Emilokan’ principle popularised before the 2023 elections, arguing that turn-taking should also apply within Lagos.
She rejected claims that Badagry lacks qualified candidates, noting that the division now has experienced individuals from both the public and private sectors.
“We have people with experience who are ready. The argument that Badagry is not ready no longer holds,” she said.
Olarenrewaju Saka-Shenayon, former Lagos commissioner, called the agitation a ‘subtle but firm appeal’ to the APC leadership.
Saka-Shenayon, active since the Alliance for Democracy days, said Badagry’s support for the party should count in its favour.
“We are unanimous,” he said. “Since 1967, no one from Badagry has served as governor. This is a legitimate request.”
He endorsed Ajose as a strong contender with intellectual and financial capacity, as well as a private-sector track record. ‘’He is positioned to harness Badagry’s economic potential in tourism and coastal development.’’
“Badagry is a border town and gateway to West Africa,” he said. “With the right leadership, we can boost Lagos revenue through our resources.”
At the grassroots, the agitation is gaining traction with local political actors joining the call.
Zannu Michael, former Badagry Local Government chairman, called the demand long overdue, noting the division’s decades-long margin from executive power.
“We can’t force it, but we appeal and lobby,” he said. “Of the five divisions in Lagos, only Badagry hasn’t held the governorship. This needs to change.”
Michael said stakeholders across Badagry are united behind Ajose and are expanding consultations within and beyond Lagos West Senatorial District.
“We support him and appeal to party leadership, especially President Tinubu, for this opportunity,” he added.
This renewed agitation firmly underscores Badagry’s early and unified demand for the 2027 Lagos governorship slot, setting the terms well before the APC begins its formal nomination process.
