Lagos 2027: APC Governorship Aspirant Samuel Ajose Steps Down for Hamzat

A Lagos State governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Ajose, has withdrawn from the party’s 2027 governorship race ahead of its primary election and declared support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Ajose announced his decision on Tuesday, describing it as a difficult but necessary step taken in the interest of party unity and political stability within the Lagos APC.

He said the decision followed deep reflection and consultations on what would best serve the interests of party members, stakeholders, and the broader progress of the APC in Lagos State.

“I know it’s a very tough decision. I didn’t sleep overnight too. I struggled with it. But when I woke up this morning I had my peace,” he said.

Ajose added that the move was guided by the need to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition, stressing that internal cohesion within the party was more important at this stage of the political process.

He formally declared his support for Hamzat’s governorship ambition and pledged to actively participate in his campaign structure going forward.

“In the interest of the party, I, Samuel Ajose, have decided to step down. I will support Obafemi Hamzat. We are going to be part of the campaign and take up important roles in his team,” he stated.

Ajose’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of aspirants stepping down for Hamzat in what appears to be a consolidation of support within the Lagos APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

His decision comes weeks after another former governorship hopeful, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also exited the race and endorsed Hamzat.

Jandor had previously explained that his decision followed consultations within the party and the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and other key leaders of the APC in Lagos State.

Political observers say the pattern of withdrawals suggests increasing alignment within the Lagos APC structure as the party moves to strengthen its position ahead of the governorship primary and the 2027 general elections.