The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry is navigating a critical path toward internal healing following deep-seated divisions triggered by the party’s July primaries. In a bid to forestall a debilitating political fallout ahead of the 2027 general elections, key aggrieved camps have broken ranks with localized boycotts to embrace a high-level peace initiative.
The two-day reconciliation summit, convened on August 7 and 8 at the SMA Foundation office in Ibereko, was spearheaded by former Lagos State governorship aspirant and prominent Badagry political leader, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose. The sessions were designed to mend fences between rival factions and address a flurry of disputes arising from the contentious primaries.
High-Profile Attendance Signals Fresh Hope
A major breakthrough for the peace talks was the physical presence of the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. Whingan had previously voiced strong dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the primary polls.
He was joined by Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Meanwhile, Hon. Engineer Setonji David, Deputy Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency II, was officially represented by his campaign Director-General, Hon. Akin Ogunlana.
The participation of these key figures marks a significant shift, especially given that they notably bypassed a parallel reconciliation committee set up by the local government party leadership under Alhaji Abu Akilapa at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat.
Stakeholders Charge Members on Harmony
Addressing party faithful during the sessions, the Chairman of the SMA Reconciliation Committee, Hon. Saka Senayon, conceded that fierce competition and ensuing disagreements are natural byproducts of democratic primaries. However, he emphasized that harmonizing the party’s voting bloc remains paramount to boosting Badagry’s regional leverage, development prospects, and political standing.
The dialogue also offered aggrieved actors a platform to air their grievances transparently.
Hon. Solomon Bonu announced that he has put the primary fallout behind him, urging his support base to eschew bitterness, reject violent political maneuvering, and utilize dialogue for future grievances.
Conversely, the representative for Setonji David, Hon. Akin Ogunlana, maintained a cautious stance, asserting that genuine reconciliation must move beyond rhetoric to properly address the root causes of discontent that marred the electoral process.
Traditional Rulers Intervene
The meetings drew heavyweights from the traditional institution, underscoring the gravity of the political friction. Monarchs including the Oniworo of Iworo, Oba Oladele Friday Kosovo; the Aholu Henwa of Kweme, Aholu Sejiro Olalekan James; and the Aholu of Ajara Agamathen, Aholu Agano Toniyon I, lent their weight to the peace push.
Aholu Agano Toniyon I implored political leaders to consolidate their support bases, warning that a fractured house would severely diminish Badagry’s formidable voting strength. Aholu Sejiro Olalekan James similarly echoed calls for collective cooperation to secure future electoral victories.
Other notable political figures in attendance included Mr. Olusegun Onilude, Mr. Olatunde Oladunjoye, and Williams Ahadji K.F. (Willy Osha), alongside representatives of other prominent stakeholders.
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The Road Ahead to 2027
With parallel reconciliation efforts currently active across different structures in Badagry, political analysts note that the ultimate test will be whether these separate initiatives can successfully converge.
As the APC sets its sights on the 2027 ballot, party leaders face an uphill task: transforming temporary truce meetings into permanent political healing, rebuilding eroded trust, and forging a monolithic front before the electoral campaigns officially kick off.
