A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Samuel Ajose, has stepped down from the Lagos State governorship race and declared his support for the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the next election cycle.
Ajose announced his decision on Tuesday during a meeting with his supporters in Lagos, explaining that the move followed deep personal reflection and was driven by the need to promote unity within the party and ensure broader political stability.
He said the choice was not an easy one, noting that he had wrestled with it overnight before eventually finding clarity and peace with the outcome.
“It is a very difficult decision. I struggled with it even through the night, but when I woke up this morning, I had peace,” he said.
The APC chieftain stressed that his consideration was guided by what would best serve collective interests rather than personal ambition. According to him, leadership decisions should ultimately reflect the welfare of the wider political family and the people at large.
“What benefits everyone is what matters most. Even if I am not the one becoming governor, the important thing is that people are not left out and everyone’s interest is protected. That, to me, is the best path forward,” Ajose stated.
Formalizing his withdrawal, Ajose announced that he would now actively participate in Hamzat’s campaign structure, pledging full support going forward.
“In the interest of the party, I, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, have decided to step aside. I will support Dr. Hamzat, and I will also take part in his campaign in a significant capacity,” he added.
Ajose’s exit from the race comes only weeks after another former Lagos governorship aspirant, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also withdrew his ambition and endorsed Hamzat.
Jandor had explained that his decision followed the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and other key leaders of the APC in Lagos State. He described his withdrawal as a sacrifice made in the interest of party cohesion and internal unity.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our leader, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos governorship race,” Jandor had said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to party unity, pledging continued loyalty to the APC leadership structure in the state.
