By Peter Dansu In what many describe as one of the boldest political commitments in recent times, Lagos governorship hopeful and philanthro...
In what many describe as one of the boldest political commitments in recent times, Lagos governorship hopeful and philanthropist, Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA), has reaffirmed his pledge to bankroll the re-election campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Badagry Division — and not just to the tune of ₦1.5 billion as earlier declared, but even more.
Ajose made the announcement on Thursday during the official launch of the SMA Foundation in Badagry. Badagry Today also gathered that the philanthropist has injected an additional ₦1.6 million into his earlier ₦10.8 million educational support initiative, raising the total fund for free GCE forms for indigent youths in Badagry to ₦12.4 million.
The dual move — a massive political pledge and a corresponding investment in education — is already generating heated conversations in Lagos political circles.
“Badagry Will Fund Its Own Politics”
Speaking before a crowd of stakeholders, community leaders, and party faithful, Ajose insisted that Badagry must stop relying on financial inflows from the state capital for political survival.
“I have said it, and I will say it again — come 2027, for the re-election of President Tinubu, you won’t wait for money from the state again. The money we are spending in this division is coming from here. This is to show our readiness to take our rightful place in Lagos State,” Ajose declared, drawing loud applause.
He went further to emphasize that his ₦1.5 billion pledge was not political rhetoric but a practical demonstration of commitment, adding that he is prepared to surpass that amount if the need arises.
But beyond the money, Ajose delivered what some have described as a “wake-up call” to Badagry indigenes, urging unity across political divides ahead of the next general elections.
“We all need one voice on this, not minding the political parties or affiliations, as that will help us to negotiate. Come 2027, we must speak with one voice this time,” he said.
According to him, Badagry’s lack of cohesion has historically reduced its bargaining power, politically and economically, within Lagos State.
“Some are still saying Badagry does not have capacity, and at the same time, Badagrians are the challenge to themselves, which could be partly true. Our capacity has been reduced politically and economically, and that is why we don’t have a say in the affairs of this state,” Ajose lamented.
The SMA Foundation, launched during the event, has been positioned as a vehicle for “lasting impact and generational change” in Badagry. Its focus spans education, healthcare, and enterprise development — areas Ajose believes will strengthen the socio-economic base of the division and, by extension, its political influence.
The immediate increase of the GCE funding from ₦10.8 million to ₦12.4 million was presented as a clear demonstration of the foundation’s seriousness. Beneficiaries, mostly indigent students preparing for their secondary school exit examinations, described the gesture as a lifeline.
Observers say Ajose’s blend of philanthropy and political commitment is carving him a unique space in Lagos politics, especially as he continues to align his personal resources with the collective aspirations of the Badagry people.
With his declarations, the countdown to 2027 in Lagos may have just taken a new turn, and for Badagry, the stakes have never been higher.
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