Alhaji Andu Adio, a 93-year-old elder statesman and former head of the education restructuring committee under Lateef Jakande's administration, led a group of Badagry stakeholders on Tuesday to formally urge the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the 2027 Lagos governorship ticket to the Badagry Division. Adio stated that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, Badagry had never produced a governor, not due to lack of qualified individuals but because the people had not found a candidate they fully trusted. He declared that Dr Samuel Ajose now represents a credible, competent, and selfless aspirant who embodies the collective hopes of the division. "We have not enjoyed the level of political recognition that reflects our contributions and our history," Adio said, describing the appeal as peaceful, fact-based, and rooted in equity.
Former House of Representatives member Mrs Rafeequat Onabamiro backed the call, insisting Badagry has no shortage of educated or financially capable individuals. She cited Ajose's professional background and leadership experience as proof of his readiness. Other supporters noted Ajose's non-traditional political path but highlighted his tangible contributions, including donating printers, generators, laptops, and cash during the party's registration exercise across Lagos' 57 local councils. He also funded electronic billboards in Lagos and other South-West states in support of President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign.
A 93-year-old man leading a political delegation is less a sign of enduring wisdom and more a reflection of how slowly power rotates in Lagos politics. The fact that Badagry has never produced a governor since 1967 isn't just historical trivia—it's a political imbalance that elites have managed to ignore for decades. Dr Samuel Ajose's profile as a low-key, institution-building professional may challenge the dominance of career politicians, but APC's zoning decisions have often followed power deals, not principles. This appeal, no matter how reasonable, will likely hinge not on fairness but on who controls the party machinery in 2026.
