By Esther Onyegbula

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, at the weekend, rallied party leaders in Badagry Division to close ranks and embrace unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by apex and core leaders of the party across the three local governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, in Badagry.

The meeting, which drew over 200 leaders from across the division, focused on fostering cohesion within the party’s leadership structures as political consultations gather momentum ahead of 2027.

Addressing the gathering, Ajose said the unity of party leaders remained critical to ensuring the APC’s victory in the next general election.

“As part of our consultation, we have visited all the local governments and LCDAs in Lagos to meet APC leaders. We felt this is the time to come back home to Badagry,” he said.

“We felt this is the time to meet the leadership of APC in Badagry to encourage them to come together as one and understand the benefits of unity. It is only when we stand together as one that whatever we demand, we will be able to get it.”

He expressed surprise at the turnout, noting that the meeting was convened within 24 hours.

“Despite the fact that the meeting was called within 24 hours, the turnout of APC leaders surprised me. Leaders in all the three councils in Badagry were represented. This shows how much everyone is looking forward to change and unity,” Ajose added.

The aspirant described the gathering as historic, noting that it was the first political meeting attended by leaders across the division since the demise of former Apex leader, Dr. Sunny Ajose.

“One of the things we said was that since the death of Dr. Sunny Ajose, our Apex leader, this kind of meeting had not been held. I am the only person that called for this meeting,” he said.

“I want to appreciate all the leaders for turning out to honour me. From the deliberations we had, I can see that Badagry is coming together as one now. We are going to start making our position known to the state and federal governments and we are going to see a lot of development coming to Badagry.”

On the new timetable released for the 2027 general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ajose said the division was fully prepared.

“Even if they change the timetable to 24 hours, we are ready in Badagry. We have energised the people; everyone is well-positioned. One thing I can tell you is that come 2027, President Bola Tinubu is not going to struggle,” he said.

According to him, there was growing consensus across political lines in the division in support of the President.

“This is the first time in Badagry that even other parties are coming together in one common voice to say they want to vote for President Tinubu,” he added.

In his remarks, the APC Apex Leader in Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, commended party leaders for honouring the invitation at short notice and lauded Ajose for convening the meeting.

He said the initiative would strengthen unity within the party and position it for success in the forthcoming elections.

Among party leaders in attendance were Prince Sesi Whingan, member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Mr. Bonu Solomon, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency I; and the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode.

Also present were the chairmen of Badagry Local Government, Olorunda LCDA and Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Hon. Kumayon Ajose and Hon. Rauf Yemaren, respectively, alongside ward and council-level chieftains and some traditional rulers in the division.