Samuel Ajose has picked up his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Ajose, who hails from Badagry and is chairman of Levitikal Group, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
He said his decision is based on service, leadership and inclusion.
“I have officially picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms, taking a definitive step forward in my aspiration to serve as Governor of Lagos State on the platform of our great party, the APC,” he said.
He added that his ambition is focused on development that covers all parts of Lagos State.
“My resolve is rooted in service, anchored in a clear vision, and driven by one conviction; that Lagos deserves development which reaches every community, creates real opportunities for its people, and leaves no one behind,” he said.
Ajose said he will continue his campaign despite the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the APC advisory body in Lagos.
He insisted that all aspirants must be allowed to participate in a primary election.
He also said President Bola Tinubu has not directed any consensus arrangement within the party.
According to him, any consensus agreement must involve full consultation with all aspirants.
He said, “If Mr President, who is our father, the father of the party, wants any consensus to be done, he has his methods and process. He calls every candidate, speaks to them and from there we know the way forward. But nobody has called anybody into any meeting.”
Ajose added that he does not accept the current endorsement process being reported within the party.
He said, “What they are doing is a kangaroo endorsement coming up without consultation with other aspirants.”
He maintained that the party constitution allows for a primary election where candidates can test their support.
“If you are big, you have the popularity, the networks and the grassroots support, then let’s go into the primaries,” he said.
He added that he believes voters in Lagos want change in leadership.
“The masses are tired of how Lagos is being run. The masses are tired of the leadership in Lagos, and they want something new,” he said.
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), chaired by Tajudeen Olusi, had endorsed Hamzat at a meeting in Lagos, citing party unity.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other APC leaders have also supported Hamzat’s governorship ambition.
Hamzat has continued consultations with party stakeholders as the APC prepares for its governorship selection process ahead of 2027.
