By Peter Dansu
Different support groups loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday converged on Badagry for a major unification meeting aimed at strengthening support for the two leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Ola Oki Medical Centre, Badagry, was tagged “Unification Meeting of All Support Groups” and brought together several pro-Tinubu and pro-Ambode groups across the area.
Among the groups represented were the Tinubu-Ambode Support Group, TASG; Tinubu-Ambode Consolidation 2027, TAC 2027; Tinubu-Ambo for Second Term; Tinubu-Ambode Progressive Network; Badagry for A+; Tinubu-Ambode Fans Worldwide; Tinubu-Ambode Reelection Support Group, among others.
Speaking at the gathering, the Coordinator of the joint support groups, Mr. Akewushola Wakeel, said the meeting was convened to harmonise the various support groups and build a common front for the reelection of President Tinubu and the return of Ambode in 2027.
Wakeel said former Governor Ambode remained widely loved across Lagos because of his developmental strides while in office, adding that many residents were clamouring for his return.
According to him, Ambode initiated several landmark projects across Lagos and had begun numerous development projects in Badagry before his tenure came to an end.
He described Badagry as Ambode’s “second home,” insisting that the former governor has always shown a special interest in the development of the area.
“Badagry occupies a special place in the heart of Akinwunmi Ambode. He had many plans for this division before his tenure was cut short. The people have not forgotten the projects he initiated and they are ready to support him again,” Wakeel said.
On President Tinubu, Wakeel commended the President’s reforms and ongoing projects across the country, saying both leaders deserved another opportunity to continue their programmes.
Also speaking, a prominent leader of the support groups, Mrs. Ronke Ogabi, urged residents and members of the All Progressives Congress to throw their full weight behind both Tinubu and Ambode.
Ogabi testified to Ambode’s style of leadership, describing him as a compassionate and development-driven leader.
She recalled that the appointment she received during Ambode’s administration had enabled her to positively impact many lives through employment opportunities.
According to her, Badagry was next in line for major development before Ambode left office, adding that the former governor still remains committed to unlocking the enormous potential of the area.
“Ambode has genuine love for Badagry. He was already focusing attention on this division before he left office. If given another opportunity, he will do even more for our people,” she said.
Former Sole Administrator of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Nutayi Genesis, also declared his support for the former governor and President Tinubu.
Genesis said that although there were ongoing agitations in some quarters for Badagry to produce the next governor of Lagos State, he and many others had chosen to support Ambode because of his record and his longstanding affection for Badagry.
He maintained that Ambode’s return would bring more infrastructure and development projects to the division.
“We are standing firmly with President Tinubu and Akinwunmi Ambode. Ambode has always shown love for Badagry and we believe he will continue to develop this division if he returns in 2027,” Genesis said.
Other prominent leaders who addressed the gathering included Pa Babs Akinyanmi, Dr. Ayeola and Rev. Meshileya.
The leaders unanimously expressed confidence in both President Tinubu and Ambode, insisting that their continued leadership would be beneficial to both Lagos State and Nigeria.
They argued that Ambode’s return as governor would particularly accelerate development in Badagry and improve infrastructure across the area.
The meeting also served as an avenue to sensitise party members on the need to validate their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure they possessed valid APC membership cards.
The leaders said both requirements were crucial for members seeking to actively participate in the political process and demonstrate support for President Tinubu and Ambode ahead of the 2027 elections.
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