By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Ibrahim Layode and Hon. Sesi Whingan |
IBEREKO, BADAGRY – In a significant move to reshape the political landscape of the Badagry Federal Constituency, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, has called on stakeholders to unite behind the re-election bid of Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (SMA) for the 2027 House of Representatives seat.
Speaking during a high-profile joint consultation meeting on April 18, 2026, at Whingan’s residence in Ibereko, Layode argued that Badagry’s developmental progress is often stifled by its history of one-term representation. He stressed that "continuity is the engine of sustainable growth."
Addressing a gathering of leaders from the eleven traditional wards of the constituency, Commissioner Layode described Whingan’s current performance at the National Assembly as "exemplary." He pointed out that the long-standing tradition of rotating representatives after a single term has historically limited Badagry’s influence in Abuja.
> “Effective lawmaking requires time and experience. By breaking the jinx of one-term representation, we allow our legislators to reach ‘ranking status,’ which grants them the seniority needed to chair powerful committees and attract major federal interventions,” Layode stated.
He urged the community to prioritise the long-term benefits of political stability over the customary rotation of power, noting that Whingan has already positioned the constituency for unprecedented opportunities.
The meeting saw a strong showing of political heavyweights and community icons, signaling a shift in the local political tide. Notable attendees included: Chief Rabiu Amusa: Retired Customs boss and former House of Representatives aspirant. Chief Ade Agoro: Influential community leader. Hon. Dansu Dominic: Former APC Chairman of Badagry West. Numerous ward chairmen and grassroots mobilisers.
The presence of these figures underscores a growing consensus that the "SMA Movement" represents a collective vision for a more prosperous Badagry.
In his response, Hon. Sesi Whingan expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement from such high-ranking leaders. He reaffirmed that his second-term ambition is fueled by a desire to complete the "unprecedented" projects he has initiated.
Whingan revealed that while several transformative projects were successfully facilitated into the 2025 and 2026 federal budgets, the release of funds is a process that benefits from the persistence of an incumbent.
“Returning for a second term is not about the seat; it is about the projects,” Whingan explained. “It would elevate our constituency to a ranking status that opens doors to massive federal interventions in infrastructure, education, and human capital development that have been out of reach for decades.”