By Peter Dansu In the intricate political landscape of Lagos State, one contradiction stands out starkly: Badagry, the ancient cradle of c...
By Peter Dansu
In the intricate political landscape of Lagos State, one contradiction stands out starkly: Badagry, the ancient cradle of culture and history, remains the only division never to have produced a governor—despite being the most loyal at the polls.
While Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Epe have all celebrated their sons in the state’s top seat, Badagry’s name is conspicuously missing from the roll call. This omission has endured for decades, even though Badagry has delivered near-unbroken support to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its predecessor parties.
Since 1999, the division has consistently returned over 95% of its votes to the APC, a record of loyalty unmatched by most constituencies. In the 2023 presidential election, Badagry once again proved its steadfastness, emerging as the second-highest contributor of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State.
Yet, the political reward for this loyalty has been silence. From Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos’ leadership history reads like a closed circle—rotating among Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Epe, while Badagry is left out.
This growing exclusion has sparked frustration. For many leaders and residents, it is no longer just a question of fairness but of dignity. Badagry, they argue, has been reduced to a reliable voting bloc whose sacrifices are taken for granted while its developmental needs remain sidelined.
Now, stakeholders are raising their voices louder than ever. Their appeal to President Tinubu and the APC leadership is clear: it is time to correct this imbalance. For a division that has given so much and asked for little, the call is simple—let Badagry finally take its place at the pinnacle of Lagos politics.
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