Badagry women rally behind Ajose, demand APC gov ticket in 2027

Women across Badagry Division, under the aegis of the Women of Badagry Federation, have unanimously endorsed Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose as their preferred governorship candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Lagos State election.

The group argued that Lagos cannot genuinely claim fairness, equity, and justice while Badagry continues to be sidelined politically, noting that the division has not produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1967, through both military and civilian administrations.

Speaking on behalf of the group at the Badagry Town Hall, former member of the House of Representatives, Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro, clarified that the move was not a protest but a legitimate demand rooted in equity.

She stressed that it is Badagry’s turn to govern Lagos State in 2027.

“When Lagos needed stability, Badagry stood for peace. When the party needed support, Badagry delivered. When leadership needed mobilisation, Badagry showed up,” she said.

Onabamiro added that history would remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu positively if he honours the request, stressing that Badagry remains a critical stakeholder in the state’s future and should no longer be treated as a political bystander.

She also warned against individuals exploiting Badagry’s identity to secure political appointments at state and federal levels without truly representing the interests of the division.

The former lawmaker further described Dr. Ajose as a committed party loyalist who has consistently contributed to the growth of the APC, Lagos State, and the South-West region.

Also speaking, Chief Rasheed Shobaloju, representing the aspirant, maintained that the demand by the women was both genuine and justified.

He reiterated that the appeal was directed at President Tinubu and the APC leadership, expressing optimism for a favourable response.

In her remarks, APC women leader in Badagry, Mrs. Kikelomo Ladipo, assured that women in the division would mobilise massively to support the party in the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, Hon. Funmi Agbaje stated that the women of Badagry are firmly behind Ajose’s ambition, noting that women constitute a decisive voting bloc capable of determining electoral outcomes.

She described President Tinubu as an inclusive leader and urged continued support for his administration’s policies in the interest of national development.

Arise News Anchor Ikokwu Quits Journalism, Joins Politics

Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, a renowned Arise News anchor and analyst, has officially resigned from journalism to pursue a career in politics, declaring her intention to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Known for her incisive reporting and commitment to holding leaders accountable, Ikokwu said her decision was motivated by firsthand exposure to governance gaps and a growing belief that professionals must move beyond media commentary to active political participation.

“This transition is a continuation of service, just on a different platform,” Ikokwu said, explaining that her years in journalism deepened her understanding of Nigeria’s policy and governance challenges and reinforced her commitment to ethical, informed leadership.

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Ikokwu emphasised that her career in media brought her into close contact with citizens’ daily realities, from their struggles to broader policy failures, which strengthened her resolve to contribute constructively from within the system.

Her move reflects a broader call for competent Nigerians with integrity and fresh ideas to step into leadership roles rather than remain on the sidelines. She urged more citizens to engage in politics actively, noting that shaping Nigeria’s future requires courage, responsibility, and collective action.

Prior to her political decision, Ikokwu had built a distinguished career as a journalist, foreign correspondent, and media strategist, covering major governance and policy issues that sharpened her insight into public service.

Her announcement has sparked discussions on the growing trend of media professionals transitioning into politics, signalling a new generation of leaders emerging from non-traditional political backgrounds.

Arise News Anchor Ikokwu Quits Journalism, Joins Politics

Tinubu Holds Urgent Meetings with Ganduje, Badaru as APC Defections Surge

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held separate closed-door meetings with former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and ex-Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid rising defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meetings came as political tensions intensified in Kano and Jigawa States, following a series of high-profile defections that threaten to reshape APC’s influence in the Northern region. Although the discussions were private, sources indicate they were focused on strategies to stabilise party structures and address internal grievances.

The immediate trigger for concern was the recent defection of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Several of Kwankwaso’s loyalists, including Nasiru Gawuna, APC’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kano, and former deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo, followed him to the ADC, raising alarm among APC leadership.

Earlier in the day, Ganduje appeared publicly with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during an event where eight NNPP lawmakers defected to APC, an effort seen as part of the ruling party’s counter-strategy to maintain dominance in the state. Ganduje reassured supporters that APC remains strong and capable of delivering victory in Kano in the 2027 elections.

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Ganduje, who served as APC National Chairman until his resignation in July 2025, remains a key influencer in northern politics. Badaru, a former Jigawa State Governor, recently resigned from his federal cabinet position, sparking similar political realignments in his home state. Sources suggest some APC stakeholders in Jigawa may also consider joining opposition platforms, reflecting a broader trend of party switching in northern Nigeria.

Political analysts say the meetings indicate Tinubu’s urgent focus on party unity ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming to curb defections and reconcile internal factions. Observers note that while some political actors continue to leave, others are joining APC, highlighting a fluid political landscape.

The developments underscore the strategic challenges facing APC, as opposition parties like the ADC gain ground, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern states, in the run-up to the next general elections.

Tinubu Holds Urgent Meetings with Ganduje, Badaru as APC Defections Surge