By Peter Dansu In a rare political development ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, Hon. Rauf Kayode Yemaren, p...
By Peter Dansu
In a rare political development ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, Hon. Rauf Kayode Yemaren, popularly known as RIKAY, has emerged as the unopposed chairmanship candidate for Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With no opposition parties fielding a candidate in the council, RIKAY is effectively the chairman-elect, pending formal declaration by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Badagry West is one of the three councils in the Badagry axis. While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has candidates in the other two councils—Barr. Medemaku Abayomi Noah in Badagry Local Government and Dr. Moses O. Ajayi Arojah in Olorunda LCDA—no challenger has emerged in Badagry West, paving the way for APC’s uncontested victory.
Despite the lack of opposition, APC leaders in Badagry West are urging supporters not to rest on their oars. During a massive rally held on July 7 at Gbaji Field, party leaders called for a strong voter turnout to show the party’s strength and unity.
Chairman of the outgoing Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Joseph Henugbe Gbenu, who also chairs the campaign’s organizing committee, told residents, “If you’re 18 and above and have your voter’s card, make sure you come out to vote. A landslide turnout is a message of loyalty and a show of structure.”
Mr. Peter Metome, APC LGA Chairman in Badagry West and co-chair of the campaign, echoed the call. “Even with no opponent, this election is a test of our coordination. What we do on Saturday reflects our strength ahead of greater contests,” he said.
APC Apex Leader in Badagry, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, added that voting is more than just civic duty—it’s a demonstration of grassroots readiness. “We must defend every polling unit like our mandate depends on it, because it does,” he stressed.
Chief Ade Agoro, Apex Leader in Badagry West, reinforced the importance of mobilization across all wards. “We want to know what each unit delivers. This is how we prove our local strength to the state and to President Tinubu,” he said.
Campaign Director-General, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), urged party members not to lose momentum. “This rally is not the finish line—it’s the halfway point. From here, we mobilize harder. The reward is coming, but we must earn it,” he told the crowd.
Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Badagry Constituency I, Hon. Solomon Bonu, praised the turnout, calling it evidence of APC’s deep roots. “What we have here today is no accident. This energy reflects the APC’s reach and relevance in Badagry West,” he said.
In his address, RIKAY expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support but reminded everyone that electoral victory only becomes real with votes cast. “I’m not coming to experiment. I’m coming to execute. And the execution starts with your vote,” he said.
The rally was attended by thousands, including members of various ethnic communities—Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba—as well as representatives of People with Disabilities (PWDs), all pledging their support for APC.
With just days to the election, Badagry West is already celebrating a victory—but the message from the top is clear: show up and vote, because numbers still matter.
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