By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Youth groups from Badagry Federation in Lagos West Senatorial District have intensified the call for the zoning of the Lagos State governorship to Badagry, declaring support for All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, as a credible aspirant ahead of the next governorship election.
The demand was made during a media briefing organised by APC youth groups in Lagos West in support of Ajose’s governorship ambition.
The event, held on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at De Santiago Milan Hotel & Suites, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, brought together youth leaders, party members and supporters, who said the call was based on equity, political balance and the need to give Badagry Federation its first opportunity to produce a governor since the creation of Lagos State in 1967.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Convener of Lagos West APC Youth, Prince Seyon Adeyemi Akran, said the position of the youths aligned with the earlier resolution of traditional rulers in Badagry, stressing that the division’s exclusion from the governorship seat for decades justified the renewed agitation.
“Since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, through both military and civilian administrations, Badagry Federation has never produced a governor of Lagos State not once. This is not an accusation; it is a fact, and as stakeholders in Lagos State, we affirm that our demand is legitimate, just and fair, void of offence to God and man,” he said.
He added that Badagry had remained consistent in its support for the progressive movement and the APC, noting that the division had always delivered votes and political backing for the party.
“We have shown loyalty, we have delivered and we have remained committed. This is not division; this is inclusion. Badagry has waited, Badagry has contributed, Badagry has delivered and Badagry is ready. Badagry Lokan,” Akran stated.
He further argued that excluding the division from the governorship race would continue to limit development opportunities for its people, particularly the youth.
“The system must not disadvantage Badagry youths. We deserve inclusion, we deserve opportunity and we deserve representation. Our community is yearning for development, infrastructure and economic progress,” he said.
Akran dismissed claims that Badagry lacked competent leaders, insisting that the division had individuals with the education, experience and exposure required to govern Lagos State.
According to him, Badagry’s location as a gateway to West Africa, its tourism potential and vast agricultural resources make the division strategic to the future economic expansion of the state.
He also highlighted Ajose’s political contributions, describing him as a committed party loyalist who had invested personal resources in strengthening APC structures across Lagos State.
“Samuel Mawuyon Ajose has demonstrated uncommon commitment through action, sacrifice and consistent service. He has supported electoral processes across all 57 local governments, mobilised supporters across Lagos State and the South-West, strengthened party structures and promoted the Renewed Hope Agenda through grassroots engagement,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists on what Badagry youths had done to justify their demand for the governorship ticket, co-convener of the group, Mr. Adewale Talabi, said the division had recorded strong voter registration and youth participation in recent political exercises.
He explained that statistics from the electronic registration exercise showed a high level of youth involvement in Badagry compared to previous cycles.
“From available statistics, Badagry recorded over 82 per cent youth registration during the e-registration exercise, whereas youth participation usually stays between 28 and 30 per cent. Across the three major divisions in Badagry, more than 80 per cent of youths now have voter cards, and that shows readiness,” Talabi said.
He added that the agitation for zoning had moved beyond politicians, noting that civil society organisations and community groups were also supporting the demand.
“It is no longer only politicians. NGOs and different groups are aligning with this vision because Badagry is filled with resources, and we are not only projecting Badagry, we are also projecting an individual with the capacity to represent the division,” he said.
Also speaking, another co-convener, Mr. Aladeotan David, said the demand for a Badagry governor was rooted in the democratic principle of inclusiveness and the need to unlock the division’s economic potential.
He said the slow pace of development in the area was partly linked to the absence of the division in key decision-making positions in the state.
“One of the principles of democracy is inclusivity, and when you look at Badagry division, the level of development is still not visible. This is linked to the fact that the division has not occupied one of the major positions where power determines who gets what and when,” he said.
David described Badagry as culturally endowed and strategically positioned for regional trade, tourism and international investment, adding that the division could become a major economic hub in sub-Saharan Africa if given the opportunity.
“In sub-Saharan Africa, Badagry stands in one of the best positions to host an international economic hub because of its closeness to neighbouring countries. It is also a tourism hub, but many of these potentials remain untapped,” he said.
He further said Ajose had supported party growth and humanitarian activities across Lagos State, including funding political mobilisation and membership registration.
“Samuel has been a strong supporter of the APC for years. Across the 20 local governments and 27 LCDAs, he has carried out humanitarian programmes. During the e-membership registration, he invested heavily to support the party with materials to ensure a large turnout,” he said.
David added that the youths believed Ajose possessed the character and experience required to lead the state.
“He is humble, pragmatic, experienced and committed to the party. With these qualities, we believe he can represent Lagos State very well, and that is why we say Badagry for Governor,” he said.
The youths, however, reaffirmed their loyalty to the leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the call for zoning should be seen as a demand for fairness, inclusion and political balance within the party and Lagos State.
