By Hunvio Elizabeth Badagry wore a busy look on Monday morning as hundreds of residents trooped out early to register and revalidate their...
By Hunvio Elizabeth
The rush followed a weekend of heightened political activity and public conversations around the ongoing digital membership exercise. By 8.30 am, the flagship registration centre in Ajara was already filled to capacity, with queues stretching toward the main road. Many of those on the line said they arrived before sunrise, determined to avoid delays and technical setbacks.
Much of the renewed urgency has been linked to the widely shared weekend disclosure by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon Mobolaji Ogunlende, popularly known as RAK. The commissioner had openly spoken about his own difficulty with NIN verification during the process in Ward A, Asheri, a candid admission that appears to have struck a chord with residents.
Several people who spoke to reporters said the commissioner’s experience served as a practical warning. Segun, a young artisan in Ajara, said he checked his NIN status the night before after seeing the news. According to him, he did not want to spend hours on a queue only to be told his phone number was not properly linked to his National Identity Number.
The momentum was further strengthened by the visible involvement of constituency leaders. Over the weekend, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency Two, Hon Engr Setonji David, officially revalidated his membership. His presence and endorsement of the process sent a strong signal to party members, many of whom described the exercise as a way of securing their place in the party’s future.
Despite the enthusiasm, the exercise has not been without challenges. By mid morning, the heat and humidity in Badagry had risen sharply, making the wait difficult for elderly residents and mothers with young children. Network issues also slowed down the process in some locations, particularly in parts of Badagry West covering Asheri and Seme.
At several centres, some prospective registrants were turned back after their NIN details were flagged as unverified on the registration tablets. They were advised to visit the nearest offices of the National Identity Management Commission to resolve the issues before returning.
As of Monday morning, party officials reported very high turnout in Ajara, steady but slower processing in Badagry West, and moderate queues in Sango and Idale, where many first time registrants were observed.
Ward officials have continued to appeal for calm and patience. They are also reminding residents to confirm that their mobile numbers are correctly linked to their NIN before heading to the centres. According to one ward secretary, the turnout has been encouraging, but proper preparation is key to avoiding unnecessary delays.
With the April deadline for the e registration exercise drawing closer, the scenes across Badagry on Monday suggest a growing determination among residents to be counted. The early week rush is already shaping the division as an active player in the party’s reorganisation ahead of the 2026 political season.
Photo Credit: Facebook
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