By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samuel Ajose |
The race for Lagos State Governor has gained significant momentum this week as Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA), a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant, returned to his roots in Badagry. His active participation in the party’s ward primaries has sent a clear signal of his commitment to the "bottom-up" approach of the APC, reinforcing his standing as a homegrown contender with deep-seated local influence.
Dr. Ajose was spotted at Ward A and Ward B in Badagry West LCDA, where he joined hundreds of party loyalists and stakeholders in the democratic exercise. His arrival sparked a wave of enthusiasm among members, many of whom viewed his presence not just as a civic duty, but as a profound gesture of loyalty to the party's internal structures. By standing in line with everyday members, SMA successfully bridged the gap between high-level political aspiration and the foundational strength of the party.
Speaking on the sidelines of the primaries, several party faithful lauded Dr. Ajose’s long-standing history of service. "SMA has been a silent engine for the APC, supporting us both morally and financially across Lagos State for years," noted one local leader. This sentiment highlights a key pillar of the Dr. Samuel Ajose 2027 campaign: a reputation built on consistency rather than convenience. His participation is widely seen as a strategic move to solidify his base ahead of the more intensive stages of the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Beyond the polling centers, Dr. Ajose’s visit carried deep cultural and diplomatic significance. Earlier in the day, the aspirant paid a high-profile courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the Alapa of Apa in the Badagry West LCDA. The private meeting with the monarch is part of a broader "consultation tour" designed to seek the blessings and insights of Lagos State’s traditional rulers. These leaders remain the custodians of the people's heritage and are instrumental in shaping political direction within the state.
As the APC prepares for the transition in 2027, the focus is increasingly shifting toward candidates who possess both professional competence and a genuine connection to the Lagosian electorate. Dr. Samuel Ajose’s recent activities in Badagry suggest a campaign strategy rooted in unity, party discipline, and respect for tradition. With the primaries serving as a litmus test for popularity, SMA has undoubtedly strengthened his position as a frontrunner to watch in the coming months.