A Lagos State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Ajose, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race in support of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat following consultations with the leadership of the ruling party.
Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, announced his decision during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, saying he stepped aside in line with the wishes of APC leaders ahead of the party’s governorship primary.
The Badagry-born politician disclosed that although he initially intended to remain in the race, the party leadership made it clear that a different direction had been chosen for the Lagos governorship contest.
According to him, loyalty to the APC, respect for its constitution and commitment to party unity informed his decision to withdraw from the race.
“The race has been very interesting and it came to an emotional end yesterday for the phase of SMA for the 2027 election,” Ajose said.
“You need to sit down to re-plan and re-strategise and when you have the leadership of the party saying this is the way we want to go, you can’t walk in isolation if you want to remain in the party,” he added.
Ajose described the decision as difficult but necessary to preserve peace and stability within the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We all respect the constitution of the party. The constitution of the party is supreme and if what the party is saying at this point in time is that this is the way they want to go, in the interest of peace and for us to quickly settle down to start planning for the 2027 general election, I think it is better we take that decision,” he stated.
Responding to questions on whether fear of defeat influenced his withdrawal, Ajose insisted he was not intimidated by any opponent but chose to honour the advice of party elders and stakeholders.
“What I can tell you is that everybody that constitutes the leadership of the party sat me down and when your elders are talking to you, you have to listen.
“The party said this is what they want, and if you are going to work under the rules, tenets and constitution of the party, I think you just have to listen to them so that you don’t get yourself into trouble, ” he said.
Ajose further revealed that discussions held with party leaders during the consultations focused significantly on the development of Badagry, his home region, adding that commitments were secured that would benefit the area politically and economically.
“When we sat down, we had our negotiation, everything was centred around Badagry and I think for the first time, Badagry was able to sit on the table of negotiation when it comes to the table of Lagos State and we were able to get some juicy benefits for Badagry,” he explained.
He expressed confidence that Hamzat would honour the agreements reached during the consultations.
Political observers viewed Ajose’s withdrawal as a significant boost for Hamzat, who is widely regarded as the preferred aspirant of the APC leadership in Lagos State.
Hamzat is believed to enjoy the backing of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and influential members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The deputy governor was first elected alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2019 and both leaders secured re-election in 2023 for a second term in office.
Before becoming deputy governor, Hamzat served in various capacities in Lagos State, including as commissioner under the administrations of former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.
Ajose’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of political realignments currently shaping the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, as party leaders intensify efforts to consolidate support and avoid divisive primary contests in strategic states.
