Amid discussion over who will succeed the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after 2027, a coalition of women groups has stepped into the political spotlight, rallying behind a Badagry indigene, Dr. Samuel Ajose, urging President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider the long-overlooked division in the race for the next governor in the state.
Framing their demand as a matter of justice rather than agitation, the women argued that Badagry has played a consistent and stabilising role in Lagos politics but has remained excluded from the state’s highest office since its creation in 1967.
Under the umbrella of the Women of Badagry Federation, the group made its position known on Wednesday at the Badagry Town Hall, stressing that Ajose has emerged as their unanimous choice to succeed the incumbent governor.
Addressing journalists, former member of the House of Representatives, Rafikat Onabamiro, said the call reflects a collective resolve rooted in decades of political loyalty and contribution.
“When Lagos needed stability, Badagry stood for peace. When the party needed support, Badagry delivered. When leadership required mobilisation, Badagry showed up,” she stated,
Underscoring the division’s longstanding commitment to the APC and the broader political structure of the state, the former lawmaker noted that 2027 is the preferred year for Badagry.
Onabamiro stressed that the movement is neither a protest nor a confrontation, but a legitimate appeal for fairness, inclusion, and recognition.
She warned that Badagry can no longer afford to be politically sidelined, adding that the era of symbolic representation without tangible leadership opportunities must come to an end.
The former lawmaker further noted that history would be kind to President Tinubu if he supports the emergence of a Badagry indigene as governor, describing such a move as a defining step toward equity and balanced representation in Lagos politics.
A former Deputy Governorship candidate, Funmi Agbaje, reinforced the strategic importance of women in electoral politics, noting that they remain the largest and most influential voting bloc.
She declared that women across Badagry are united and determined to see Ajose’s ambition materialise.
“We are appealing that President Bola Tinubu accept our request that the next governor should be picked from Badagry. We have been denied this opportunity over the years, and we are appealing that 2027 is the year we want this to end”.
Also speaking, APC women leader, Kikelomo Ladipo, pledged massive grassroots mobilisation across Badagry in support of the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections, signaling the political weight behind the endorsement.
Lending his voice to the growing call, Chief Rasheed Shobaloju, who spoke on behalf of Ajose, described the demand as both genuine and timely, expressing confidence that the party leadership would respond positively.
“The women are not protesting; they are making a respectful but firm appeal for what they believe is rightfully theirs,” he said.
