By: Manoah Kikekon
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| SMA Billboard at Ibadan |
IBADAN, Nigeria – In a move that has sent ripples through the South-West political landscape, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, the Badagry-born business mogul and 2027 Lagos governorship hopeful popularly known as SMA, has officially taken the campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election beyond the borders of Lagos State.
This strategic expansion was marked by the unveiling of a high-impact campaign billboard in the heart of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The massive structure, strategically positioned along the high-traffic Ibadan–Ile-Ife Expressway near Wema Bank, serves as a bold endorsement of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By establishing a visible presence in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant cities, SMA is not only reinforcing the federal government’s message but also signaling his own growing influence as a regional bridge-builder ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts suggest that SMA’s decision to campaign in Oyo State is a masterstroke of "trans-border politics." While his primary focus remains the Lagos 2027 governorship race, this outreach portrays him as a loyalist whose commitment to the Asiwaju brand transcends local interests.
By championing the President’s achievements to the Ibadan electorate and the thousands of daily commuters on that corridor, he is positioning himself as a key pillar of support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West.
A Strategic Vision for Lagos and Beyond
The initiative aligns with SMA’s evolving political identity, encapsulated in his popular mantra: "SMA GOLD is ready to move Lagos forward." Supporters argue that his ability to coordinate such a high-profile campaign outside his home base demonstrates the organizational capacity and "regional thinking" required to lead a cosmopolitan state like Lagos.
"SMA is proving that leadership isn't just about winning a seat; it's about sustaining the vision of the party at every level," noted a local political observer in Ibadan.
Building a Grassroots Connection
Beyond the glitz of billboards, Dr. Ajose’s movement has been gaining significant traction among the grassroots. From his roots in Badagry to the business hubs of Victoria Island, his "SMA GOLD" brand is increasingly viewed as a fresh alternative for 2027.
His current focus on President Tinubu’s re-election appears to be a dual-purpose strategy: strengthening the party's national foundation while solidifying his own credentials as a disciplined and visionary party man.