By: Manoah Kikekon
As delegates, deities, and dynasty politics collide, Badagry’s local election becomes a litmus test for grassroots democracy.
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| Top Chairmanship aspirant in Badagry Local Government |
The 2025 chairmanship election in Badagry is poised to redefine the Local Government’s political playbook, with analysts warning that the era of “naira-and-bread” politics may face unprecedented challenges.
While the shadow of 2023’s monetized elections where delegates allegedly traded votes for cash, iPhones, and lavish perks looms large, emerging dynamics suggest money alone won’t crown the next council chairman.
Delegates in the Crosshairs: Numbers and Nuances
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has confirmed that party delegates will determine the primaries. However, ambiguity persists over the delegate count: while 27 local government executives form the core, speculation swirls about whether 10 ward chairmen (totaling 37) or all 260 ward executives (297) will vote. This unresolved structure has sparked frenzied lobbying, with aspirants scrambling to decode the rulebook.
“This isn’t just about outspending rivals,” says a party insider. “It’s about understanding whose delegates matter and how to sway them.”
2023’s Ghosts and 2025’s New Players
The 2023 election, infamous for a ₦1 billion spend by a House of Representatives candidate, entrenched Badagry’s reputation as a “cash-and-carry” battleground.
Yet 2025 introduces a mosaic of influencers: incumbent Chairman Onilude, traditional rulers, federal lawmakers, and even diaspora financiers.
Ambassador Hassan Hammed, protégé of Rep. Sesi Whingan, has emerged as a frontrunner, buoyed by Whingan’s deep pockets. But rivals like Hon. Hunpe backed by Onilude are betting on legacy ties and traditional allegiances. Meanwhile, US-based Hon. Tunde Hunba, dubbed the “Dollar Delegate,” faces skepticism despite his war chest. “Money talks, but Badagry’s elders whisper,” quips a ward leader.
The ‘Ajara Equation’ and Zoning Wars
Geography adds another layer. With outgoing Chairman Onilude hailing from Constituency I, pressure mounts to zone the seat to Constituency II. This pits Ajara (Hunpe’s base) against Ward H (Hammed’s turf) and Ward I (Avoseh Suru’s domain). “Zoning isn’t just tradition—it’s a survival tactic to balance power,” explains a community leader.
Traditional Rulers: The Kingmakers’ Quiet Clout
Behind the scenes, Badagry’s Council of Obas wields subtle influence. Though divided, sources claim a tilt toward Hunpe, citing his rapport with royal fathers. “Delegates may take cash, but they fear the gods more,” reveals an aide to an Oba. Spiritual covenants, where delegates swear oaths to candidates, reportedly deter betrayal. “If you break the pact, the deities strike. No refunds can save you,” adds a local priest.
Delegates’ Dilemma: Cash vs. Consequences
While delegates are accused of treating elections as “ATMs,” their loyalty is often tethered to patrons who secured their positions. A delegate admits, “I’ll take money from all, but I’ll vote for whoever my leader chooses. My re-election depends on it.” Others cite cases of forced refunds after failed bids, or candidates invoking juju to enforce compliance.
Media, Monitoring, and the ‘Fear Factor’
A veteran Badagry journalist notes, “This election is a high-stakes poker game. Aspirants know delegates might pocket their cash and still vote elsewhere. Social media is flooded with threats and exposes, making betrayal riskier.”
A Test for Grassroots Democracy
As Badagry braces for 2025, the election transcends a mere money race. It’s a clash of loyalty, tradition, strategy, and spiritual sway—a microcosm of Nigeria’s evolving political ethos. Whether delegates prioritize naira, deities, or dynasty remains uncertain, but one truth is clear: in Badagry, the price of power isn’t just paid in cash. It’s negotiated in whispers, warnings, and ancient covenants.