By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – Thousands of young people in Badagry Division, transport workers, and grassroots stakeholders from all 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) gathered for a massive rally to endorse the governorship aspiration of Mr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as SMA.
The mobilization, which signals a deepening of the Badagry Division’s quest for the 2027 Lagos State governorship, was strategically tied to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing a vision for inclusive growth and regional equity.
The rally, convened by Comrade Joshua Hunga, demonstrated a rare unity between the youth demographic and the state's vital transport sector. Representatives from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were present in full force, pledging their total commitment to the SMA movement.
Addressing the vibrant crowd, Comrade Hunga declared that the youths and transport workers are the "backbone of Lagos politics" and would serve as the decisive factor in the upcoming party primaries.
"Our support for SMA is not accidental; it is rooted in his deep understanding of our struggles and his alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision," Hunga stated. "Lagos needs a leader who combines corporate competence with genuine empathy, and SMA is that leader."
The event took a high-profile turn with the presence of veteran actress Medeyonmi Akron, who officially endorsed SMA’s candidacy. She described the aspirant as a compassionate, people-focused leader capable of delivering a clear roadmap for development that leaves no division behind.
Adding to the momentum, market leaders in Badagry, led by the Iyaloja and her executive council, threw their weight behind the "SMA Gold" campaign. The traders cited his consistent track record of philanthropy, specifically mentioning his provision of a dedicated market office as evidence of his commitment to the local economy.
The market leaders used the platform to send a direct message to the Presidency, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Badagry due consideration in the 2027 race to ensure the "IBILE" (Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe) formula remains balanced.
Throughout the rally, the recurring theme was the preservation of President Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos. Speakers emphasized that SMA, as a seasoned business figure and philanthropist, is best positioned to sustain the developmental strides of the current administration while addressing the specific infrastructure and economic needs of the Badagry axis.