By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — In a strategic move to strengthen the grassroots base of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Mandate Explorers Group (MEG) was officially inaugurated on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Pota, Badagry.
The group, with over a thousand members comprised of party loyalists from communities which made up Ward I (Erekiti, Iragon, Iragbo, Javie, Ikoga, Igborosun, Pota) aims to tackle years of perceived systemic neglect and mobilize massive support for the "Renewed Hope" agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The pioneer of the group, Elijah Kappo, emphasized during the launch that the formation of MEG is not an attempt to create a factional party but a necessary platform to harmonize the voices of Ward I residents. He highlighted the dire state of local infrastructure, specifically pointing to the deteriorating road networks that have hindered economic activities in the area.
"Mandate Explorers Group was born because the people of Ward I are complaining of neglect and poor governance. The two major roads in this area are in bad condition," Kappo stated. "We have brought the people together under the flag of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that giving the President a second chance will bring direct benefits to us here. We are harmonizing ourselves so the government can finally attend to our challenges."
.Ajadi Omotayosi, the Supervisor for Chieftaincy Affairs in Badagry Local Government, expressed his astonishment at the large turnout. He noted that while the ward has consistently participated in politics, the tangible dividends of democracy have been scarce. He specifically called on the Federal Government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Mowo-Ikoga and Erekiti-to-Ikoga roads.
"I am overwhelmed with the kind of crowd I saw today, and I will definitely relate what I have seen to my chairman," Omotayosi remarked. "We are pleading with the Federal Government to improve our road networks. This group is for the progress of the APC towards 2027, ensuring that President Tinubu emerges for a second term. However, the people must realize that their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is the only tool that can make their voice count."
Gbolajobi Amoke, the Woman Leader of the Mandate Explorers Group, expressed her optimism about the group's potential to correct past administrative oversights. She urged members to remain steadfast within the APC rather than defecting to opposition parties.
"I am so happy for this group because there are many things happening that need to be corrected," Amoke said. "The 2027 victory for President Tinubu is sure, but we need to stand firm with our voters cards. There is no need to run from one party to another; staying united here is what will ultimately benefit all of us in Ward I."
The inauguration concluded with a grassroots sensitization drive, as leaders urged residents to participate in upcoming voter registration exercises. By positioning itself as a bridge between the local populace and the national leadership, the Mandate Explorers Group seeks to transform Ward I from a neglected corridor into a focal point of the APC's 2027 strategy in Lagos State.