A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, has urged party leaders in Badagry Division to close ranks and embrace unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ajose made the appeal 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 Division.
The meeting, which attracted over 200 leaders, focused on strengthening cohesion within the party’s leadership structure as political consultations intensify ahead of 2027.
Addressing the gathering, Ajose stressed that unity among party leaders remains critical to ensuring the APC’s victory in the next general elections.
“As part of our consultations, we have visited all the local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State to meet with APC leaders. This is the right time to engage the leadership in Badagry and encourage them to come together as one,” he said.
He added that speaking with one voice would strengthen the division’s bargaining power and help secure greater political advantages.
Ajose expressed surprise at the impressive turnout, noting that the meeting was convened within 24 hours, yet leaders from all three councils in Badagry were fully represented.
He described the gathering as historic, stating that it was the first time leaders across the division had met in this capacity since the demise of former Apex Leader, Dr. Sunny Ajose.
“Since the death of our Apex leader, Dr. Sunny Ajose, this kind of meeting had not been held. I felt it was important to bring everyone together again,” he said, while appreciating leaders for honouring the invitation.
On the timetable for the 2027 general elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ajose expressed confidence in the division’s preparedness.
He also noted what he described as growing consensus across political lines in Badagry Division in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that even members of other parties were aligning behind the President ahead of the polls.
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 praised Ajose for convening the meeting.
He said the initiative would further strengthen unity within the party and position it for success in the forthcoming elections.
Among party leaders in attendance were Alhaji Gafar Meyon, APC Apex Leader, Badagry LGA; Mr. 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 — alongside ward and council-level chieftains and traditional rulers across the division.
Reporting by Pentho Francis