Samuel Ajose has picked up his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the position of Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Ajose, who hails from Badagry, made the move on Wednesday despite the endorsement of Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, by the Governance Advisory Council, the highest advisory body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ajose noted that he will not back down, as this is his personal commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, and the kind of progress that every Lagosian can feel.
He said: “I have officially picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms, taking a definitive step forward in my aspiration to serve as Governor of Lagos State on the platform of our great party, the APC.
This moment is bigger than a political process. It is a personal commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, and the kind of progress that every Lagosian can feel and point to.
My resolve is rooted in service, anchored in a clear vision, and driven by one conviction; that Lagos deserves development which reaches every community, creates real opportunities for its people, and leaves no one behind.
I begin this journey with humility, courage, and complete faith in God and in the good people of Lagos. Together, we are building something this state will be proud of.
Irorun Ipinle Eko 2027.”
Earlier, Ajose, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitikal Group, kicked against the endorsement of Hamzat by GAC members, insisting that all aspirants must agree before such a process can be considered valid.
He questioned the push for a consensus arrangement within the party, suggesting that Hamzat is afraid of going into the primaries.
“We understand what consensus means. Consensus says that every aspirant who has picked the party and nomination form must consent to it. We don’t know why Hamzat is scared of going into the primaries.
“If you are big, you have the popularity, the networks and the grassroots support, then let’s go into the primaries. Why is everybody scared of the primaries? Everybody must go into the primaries; that is what the constitution says,” Ajose stated.
The Lagos governorship aspirant maintained that the party’s constitution provides for a primary election where aspirants can test their popularity, expressing confidence that the process would reflect the will of party members.
“We are all going to meet in the primaries and let everybody come in to test their strength, and we will see the results in the next few weeks.
“The masses are tired of how Lagos is being run. The masses are tired of the leadership in Lagos, and they want something new,” said Ajose.
The aspirant also dismissed recent endorsement claims within the APC, insisting they did not originate from President Bola Tinubu.
He alleged that certain party actors were attempting to pressure the President into backing a preferred candidate, describing the move as a “kangaroo endorsement” carried out without the consent of other aspirants.
Ajose stressed that no formal meeting had been convened to decide on a consensus candidate, noting that such a process would require the involvement of all aspirants.
According to him, if a consensus arrangement were to be adopted, the President would invite all contenders to deliberate and reach a collective agreement.
The GAC, chaired by Tajudeen Olusi, reportedly reached the decision at a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday, citing party unity as the reason for opting for consensus over primaries.
The sitting governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also publicly endorsed his deputy, Hamzat, alongside party leaders and local government chairmen, describing him as experienced and well-prepared for leadership.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, has in recent days intensified consultations with key stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of efforts to consolidate support for his governorship ambition.
The GAC, the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, was established in 1999 by President Tinubu and plays a key role in shaping succession plans, appointments and zoning arrangements within the party.
