Lagos APC Primary: Ajose Explains Why He Stepped Down for Hamzat

Samuel Ajose, a Lagos State gubernatorial aspirant on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, announced that he has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race in favor of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat after discussions with party leaders.

Ajose, known as SMA Gold, made the announcement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday. He said he stepped aside in line with the wishes of APC leaders before the party’s primary election.

The Badagry‑based politician, who had previously stated his intention to continue in the race, explained that the APC leadership had made it clear the party was pursuing a different direction for the Lagos governorship contest.

He said his decision was driven by respect for the party’s constitution, leadership and internal processes.

“The race has been quite engaging and it reached an emotional conclusion yesterday for the phase of SMA concerning the 2027 election,” he said. “It is essential to take time to re‑plan and re‑strategise, and when the party leadership indicates a preferred direction, one cannot act independently if one wishes to remain within the party.”

Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary to promote peace and unity within the APC as the 2027 general election approaches.

“We all uphold the party’s constitution. The constitution is paramount, and if the party’s current stance is that this is the direction they wish to pursue, for the sake of peace and to enable us to promptly begin planning for the 2027 general election, I believe it is prudent to make that choice,” he added.

When asked whether his withdrawal was due to a belief that he would lose the primary to Hamzat, Ajose clarified that he was never intimidated by any opponent but chose to honour the views of party elders.

He said, “What I can share is that all members of the party’s leadership convened with me, and when your elders are speaking, it is imperative to listen. The party expressed their desires, and if you intend to operate within the framework, principles, and constitution of the party, it is essential to heed their guidance to avoid potential issues.”

Ajose also revealed that conversations with party leaders focused on advancing Badagry, with commitments made that would benefit the region.

“During our meeting, our discussions revolved entirely around Badagry, and for the first time, Badagry was able to participate in negotiations concerning Lagos State, resulting in some significant benefits for the area,” he remarked. He expressed confidence that Hamzat would honour the commitments made during the discussions.

Hamzat is widely viewed as the APC leadership’s preferred candidate for Lagos, having received the support of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu and the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Hamzat was elected deputy governor alongside Sanwo‑Olu in 2019, and both were re‑elected in 2023 for a second term. Prior to becoming deputy governor, the 61‑year‑old served as commissioner under former Lagos governors Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.