Political stakeholders and traditional rulers from Badagry Division in Lagos State have endorsed Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the party's primary election. The group expressed strong opposition to the governorship ambition of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, insisting that it is time for Badagry to produce the next governor of Lagos State.
Supporters of Ajose, a businessman and politician, argue that his leadership experience and political background make him well-qualified to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027. The endorsement was announced in a statement by the SMA Gold Governorship 2027 Campaign Team, which appealed to APC delegates expected to vote in the party's governorship primary this week.
Badagry Stakeholders Push for Representation
According to the statement, the stakeholders emphasized that Badagry has contributed significantly to the political and historical development of Lagos State and deserves an opportunity to occupy the governorship seat. They described Ajose, popularly known as "SMA Gold," as a "fine gentleman, politician, and accomplished entrepreneur" capable of leading the state. The campaign team highlighted Ajose's "impressive antecedents in leadership positions" as evidence of his suitability.
The group also argued that the Badagry Division has been overlooked in previous governorship arrangements, and this election cycle presents a crucial opportunity to correct that imbalance. They called on APC delegates to consider the division's contributions and support Ajose's candidacy.
Traditional Rulers Throw Weight Behind Ajose
Several traditional rulers from Badagry also endorsed Ajose's governorship ambition, praising his grassroots connections and commitment to youth and community development. His Royal Majesty, Aholu Agano Toniyon I, the paramount traditional ruler of the Ajara Agamathen Kingdom in Badagry, described Ajose as a responsible leader dedicated to youth empowerment.
"He is very responsible. He is empowering the youths to make their future better. He has not been in government before, so he has been spending his personal money. He is God-sent to assist the youth and children," the monarch said.
High Chief Patrick Mobee, Menu Toyon II, Chief Mobee of Badagry Kingdom, stated that Ajose is the most credible aspirant from the division. "I have known him for the past four years. In Badagry, he is number one that we can reckon with to become governor of Lagos. It's long overdue. I strongly support him to be the governor of Lagos," he said.
The Aholu of Ajido Kingdom, Saheed Sedonu Adamson, called Ajose "a son of the soil" and "a Badagrian to the core," adding that he is "a man of integrity." The Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, Sejiro Olalekan James, noted that he has observed Ajose's activities for over a decade and is impressed with his work across Lagos State.
Historical Significance of Badagry
Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State, is widely known for its role during the transatlantic slave trade era and remains one of Nigeria's major historical sites. The town served as a departure point for enslaved Africans transported to Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world during the colonial period. The division is also regarded as one of the traditional political blocs in Lagos politics, alongside Lagos West, Lagos Central, and Ikorodu divisions.
APC Succession Battle Intensifies
The endorsement comes as political alignments intensify within the ruling APC ahead of the party's governorship contest in Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu is serving his second term and will be ineligible to seek re-election in 2027. Consequently, several political figures and interest groups have begun consultations over succession in Nigeria's commercial capital. The Badagry stakeholders' move signals a growing push for regional representation in the upcoming leadership transition.
