By Emma Nnadozie

Former Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Gbenu Henugbe Joseph, on Saturday formally declared his intention to contest the Badagry Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking the backing of leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gbenu made the declaration during a strategic consultative meeting with party leaders and stakeholders in Badagry, where he said his visit was to officially notify the party hierarchy of his ambition and seek their blessings in line with internal party processes.

Describing his move as the commencement of his political journey into the legislative race, the former council boss stressed that he was yet to unveil a manifesto, noting that the engagement was strictly consultative.

“I am not here to present a manifesto today. There has been publicity online about my intention. Today, I am here to officially begin my journey into the race for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency I,” he said.

Gbenu aligned his ambition with efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next electoral cycle, adopting the President’s popular political slogan, “Emi lo kan”, to underscore his readiness to serve.

He pledged loyalty to the APC and its leadership, assuring stakeholders of his commitment to party unity, discipline and effective grassroots representation.

“I promise to remain loyal, dedicated and committed to the party, the leaders and the people,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the director-general of the campaign, Hon. Yahaya Lateef, popularly known as “WAY”, described Gbenu as a tested administrator with proven grassroots appeal, citing his performance during his tenure as council chairman.

Lateef said Gbenu remained one of the most prepared aspirants for the seat, stressing that leadership requires capacity, a track record and a strong connection with the people.

“This is a public office, not a traditional title. Everyone has the right to contest, and Gbenu is here to declare his intent,” he said.

He explained that the decision to first consult party leaders was deliberate, reflecting respect for party structure and hierarchy.

According to him, Gbenu recorded over 70 per cent performance while in office, driven by empowerment programmes and community-based initiatives that impacted residents beyond the council area.

“House of Assembly is not about grammar; it is about competence. We need someone who will perform and remain connected to the people. Gbenu fits perfectly into that role,” Lateef said, urging party leaders to support the aspiration.

Political observers also described Lateef as a key asset to the campaign, noting his experience as a strategist and former aspirant in the constituency, as well as his role as a commissioner at the Lagos State Civil Service Commission.

They said his involvement has strengthened the coordination and structure of the emerging campaign.

In his remarks, APC Apex Leader in Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, commended Gbenu for following due process by consulting party elders and offered prayers for the success of his ambition.

Similarly, a party chieftain, Chief Frederick Ajaneson, led prayers for Gbenu, while supporters expressed optimism about what they described as a well-structured bid ahead of the elections.

Also speaking, Chairman of Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren, said Gbenu possesses the capacity to deliver dividends of democracy to constituents if he emerges as the party’s candidate for the 2027 polls.