By Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade In the winding corridors of Lagos State politics, where strategy often outweighs sentiment, the clamor for a ...
By Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade
In the winding corridors of Lagos State politics, where strategy often outweighs sentiment, the clamor for a Badagry indigene to emerge as the next governor in 2027 is gaining momentum — but dangerously so.
In recent weeks, social media has become the battleground for voices from Badagry pushing a righteous but recklessly executed agitation. The message is clear: “It is Badagry’s turn.” The problem? The method.
I recall a recent conversation with an elder statesman from our land who made a painfully blunt statement: “The Badagry political space is not progressive. It is destructive in its operations and contents.” It stung, but after observing our methods of advocacy, I sadly agreed.
We seem to have lost sight of how politics is won in Nigeria, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — not by noise, not by confrontations, not even by a mountain of donations, but by delicate, behind-the-scenes maneuvering, consensus-building, and most importantly, the blessing of “the Oracle.” And let us not deceive ourselves — in Lagos politics, the Oracle does not respond to hashtags or Facebook letters.
If truly we seek a Badagry governor in 2027, we must realign our approach. Our campaign should be marked by humility, underground strategy, internal unity, and relentless pleading — not public grandstanding and chaotic declarations. Political power is never served à la carte; it is cooked, negotiated, and sometimes stolen in the kitchen of calculated alliances.
Consider this: someone recently posted on social media suggesting “Gbajabiamila for Governor, Ogunlende for Deputy.” While this may appeal to some factions, it directly undermines the central cry of “Badagry for Governor.” Is that the direction the people of Badagry are united behind? Or is that just another agenda from another corner of our fragmented federation?
And then there’s the case of a well-meaning but politically inexperienced aspirant, parading promises of billion-naira donations and local government largesse. Admirable? Yes. Effective? Likely not. Lagos politics does not bow to flamboyance. The Oracle chooses the tactful, the prepared, the patiently nurtured, and often the unexpected. Donations are not coronations. Political muscle is not grown overnight.
The question we must ask ourselves, as Badagry people, is: are we speaking with one voice? Or are we, as always, sabotaging ourselves with tribal sentiment, selfish calculations, and uncoordinated noise?
We must also recognize that justice, equity, and fairness — though morally sound — have never been reliable currencies in Nigerian politics. No politician has ever emerged solely on the altar of marginalization. Politics is about numbers, alliances, loyalty, and timing — and in our case, about appealing sincerely and strategically to those who hold the reins of power.
The solution, as suggested by that same elder statesman, lies in structure. It is time to set up a central planning committee, cutting across all communities in the Badagry Division. A unifying forum that draws in elders, youths, political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, and diaspora voices. We need not just ambition — we need order. We need diplomacy. We need a map.
Let us stop fighting in the market square when the decisions are being made in private parlours. Let us stop dragging ourselves backward while pretending to march forward. Let us stop politicizing our pain and start strategizing for our purpose.
Badagry can produce the next governor of Lagos State. That is not in doubt. But it won’t happen by shouting. It won’t happen by scattering our voices. And it certainly won’t happen by placing our hopes on a few political merchants chasing personal relevance.
I’ve written about this for over two decades. My voice is not the only one. But I hope it reminds us that only by the grace of the Almighty, and by wisdom-filled planning, can we truly cross this political Jordan.
We must stop dreaming and start building.
Prince Samuel Mawutin Ofade is a public affairs commentator and advocate for strategic political reawakening in Badagry Division.
Published: August 7, 2025
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