Women leaders in Badagry, Lagos State, on Wednesday urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its governorship ticket to the division.

They made the appeal during a press briefing organised by Women in Badagry Federation, advocating equity, justice and political inclusion for the division.

Mrs Rafeequat Onabamiro, former House of Representatives member, said Badagry had never produced a Lagos governor since the state’s creation in 1967.

“Today, we speak as women, mothers and custodians of values. When women speak, society must listen for generations yet unborn,” she said.

She added that their call reflected collective concerns of families, communities and future generations seeking fairness in governance and representation.

Onabamiro asked, “Can Lagos truly claim fairness if one part is continuously left behind despite its contributions to development and stability?

“This is not a complaint but a legitimate moral question. We speak directly, respectfully and truthfully,” she added.

She said President Bola Tinubu and APC leadership built their legacy on justice, fairness and courage over the years.

“So today, we ask: will that same spirit of fairness speak for Badagry in the party’s governorship decision?
“When Lagos needed stability, Badagry stood for peace. When the party needed support, Badagry delivered consistently,” she said.

She recalled that Badagry had contributed significantly to electoral victories and grassroots mobilisation for the party across multiple election cycles.

Onabamiro urged that the governorship be zoned to Badagry “not as a favour, but as equity, fairness and historical justice”.

Alhaja Kikelomo Ladipo described Badagry as a region of vast economic potential in tourism, agriculture, cross-border trade and cultural heritage.

She said the division remained strategically positioned to contribute more to Lagos’ economy if given adequate political representation and leadership opportunities.

“As women, we recognise leadership, sacrifice, commitment and consistency in those who have served the party and the people.

“Among our sons, Samuel Mawuyon Ajose has shown commitment to party growth across the South-West,” she said.

She noted that Ajose had strengthened party structures and supported political mobilisation efforts beyond Badagry, earning recognition among stakeholders.

“He supported elections across all 57 councils, mobilising grassroots support and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda with sustained commitment.

“These are proven contributions. We look at character, capacity and consistency when identifying credible leadership.

“This is the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and reflects readiness to govern Lagos State effectively,” she said.

Mrs Asanotu Ashinmu said some individuals falsely claim Badagry identity for political advantage and personal gain.

“There are individuals who claim Badagry when convenient, securing appointments despite lacking roots in our communities,” she said.

She stressed that true representation must come from individuals with deep cultural, historical and social ties to the division.

“Such persons cannot represent our aspirations. Being linked by marriage without connection cannot define representation,” she added.

She said continued misrepresentation undermines the collective struggle of genuine indigenes seeking political inclusion and recognition.

“This must stop. Badagry cannot be used as a political identity of convenience while indigenes are sidelined,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers in Badagry Division earlier called for zoning the governorship seat to the area.

The traditional rulers, led by Aholu Olalekan James, described the demand as a matter of justice, fairness and historical balance in Lagos politics.

They also expressed support for the re-election of President Tinubu, citing his leadership and contributions to national development.

NAN further reports that APC stakeholders in Badagry on Tuesday echoed similar demands for zoning the governorship ticket to the division.

An elder statesman, Alhaji Andu Adio, said Badagry had not produced a candidate due to lack of consensus in previous political cycles.

He noted that the current agitation reflected unity among stakeholders determined to secure fair representation in the 2027 governorship election.