Fresh debate has emerged across Badagry following the recent visit of Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as #Jandor, with many residents questioning whether the ancient town is genuinely united behind its own governorship hopeful, Samuel Mauyon #Ajose (SMA).

The conversation was sparked by a social media post from Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, who observed that Jandor’s reception in Badagry appeared to reflect stronger political credibility and coordination than what is currently visible around the SMA movement.

The comment reignited long-standing concerns about unity, strategy, and grassroots mobilisation within Badagry’s political class.

Several contributors echoed the sentiment that Badagry is yet to fully rally around a common agenda. Godonu Temiada Bobby expressed optimism that “Badagry will surely rise one day,” stressing that unity remains inevitable despite present setbacks. Juliana Olabisi Onala also called for a generational shift, urging residents to abandon self-interest in favour of collective development anchored on shared values.

Others, however, offered a more cautionary perspective. Folorunsho Miwawiwe Hunga argued that internal criticism should be constructive rather than dismissive, noting that political advocacy is often incremental. He maintained that even unsuccessful attempts matter if they are properly documented and strategically pursued.

This view was reinforced by Victor Adasho, who warned that pessimism and divided loyalties were weakening Badagry’s bargaining power within Lagos politics.

Concerns over visibility and outreach featured prominently in the discussion. Gbewa Oviyon Oluwatosin pointed out that much of SMA’s political messaging appears confined to Facebook and local circles, limiting broader awareness across Lagos State. He further suggested that support for the movement remains shallow, with fewer than half of Badagry’s political stakeholders actively involved.

Criticism was also directed at local political leaders. Kumasa Sunday Smk lamented what he described as entrenched selfishness among party leaders, accusing them of prioritising personal ambition over Badagry’s long-term interests.

According to him, repeated visits to Badagry by the state governor failed to translate into strategic political positioning for an indigenous candidate.

Yet, not all voices were dismissive of the SMA project. Sivowaku James defended the candidate’s approach, describing humility as a strategic asset rather than weakness. David Taylong similarly argued that participation alone matters, insisting that even an unsuccessful bid could lay the foundation for future political relevance.

In contrast, Jandor’s visit to Badagry was widely seen as organised and symbolically strong, reinforcing arguments that political influence in Lagos extends beyond local popularity.

As Semako Ebenezer noted, governorship politics in Lagos is driven less by social media numbers and more by structure, alliances, and strategic visibility.

Collectively, these reactions raise a critical question for Badagry: is the town truly prepared to set aside partisan loyalty and internal rivalry in pursuit of collective political relevance? As Deyon Olaeinde succinctly observed, Badagry often appears more loyal to political parties than to its own developmental interests.

As conversations continue, many agree on one point — without unity, coordination, and outward-facing strategy, Badagry’s long-held aspiration of producing a Lagos State governor may remain elusive.