Ahead of the next governorship election in Lagos Stare, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Ajose, on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026 announced his withdrawal from the governorship race, declaring support for the Deputy Governor of the state, Obafemi Hamzat.
Ajose, who announced this on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026 while addressing his supporters in Lagos, said the decision was taken after careful reflection and in the interest of unity and collective progress.
While stating that although the decision placed him in a difficult position, he added that he found peace after weighing what would benefit everyone involved.
“I know it is a very tough decision. I still struggled with it overnight, too. But when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said, just as he also added that his priority remained the overall interest of the people and ensuring that no group was left behind in the political process.
“Everything that everybody will benefit from, even if I won’t be the governor, you are still going to benefit because you have made sure that you took care of the interests of everybody. And I think that’s the best,” Ajose stated.
Announcing his decision to step aside, Ajose said he would now support Hamzat and participate actively in the campaign structure.
“In the interest of the party, I, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, have decided that I will let go. I will support Dr. Hamzat, and we are going to be part of his campaign, and we are going to take a very important position in his campaign,” he added.
Prior to his latest u-turn, the 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 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.
