By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samuel Mawuyon Ajose |
As the 2027 Lagos State governorship race shifts from hushed whispers to high-stakes strategy, the political landscape is being redefined. While veteran heavyweights and household names like Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tokunbo Abiru dominate the early headlines, a new force is quietly consolidating power from the coastal flank.
Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, a seasoned technocrat and indigene of Badagry, is emerging as the focal point of a historic movement: the "Badagry Awakening."
The Badagry Argument: A Quest for Equity
Funsho Arogundade, Ace journalist and famous columnist with The Sun Newspapers said in an article, "for decades, Lagos has been governed through its five traditional divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe (IBILE)."
However, a glaring historical imbalance remains—Badagry is the only division yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation in 1967. As 2027 approaches, political observers and grassroots leaders argue that this "unfinished chapter" must finally be closed. Dr. Ajosebhai has become the face of this corrective narrative, positioning his candidacy not just as an ethnic or regional claim, but as a strategic necessity for state-wide inclusion.
Boardroom Gravitas Meets Grassroots Appeal
"Unlike typical political aspirants who rely on loud rallies and spectacle, Dr. Ajose’s rise is built on a foundation of professional excellence and quiet diplomacy. As the CEO of the Levitikal Group, he has spent over 15 years navigating the complexities of construction, real estate, and strategic enterprise," Arogundade said.
"His experience presiding over high-level boards has earned him a reputation as a "systems engineer" in governance," he added.
Sources indicate that Ajose has been conducting "listening tours" across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs, bridging the gap between the Lagos elite and the everyday citizen.
Philanthropy and Party Loyalty
Dr. Ajose’s influence is further bolstered by his significant contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Recently, his Samuel Ajose Foundation made headlines for donating logistics materials to party secretariats across the state to support voter registration.
His ability to mobilize resources including a reported ₦10 million support package to each chairmanship candidate in the Badagry division during local polls—demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to the party’s grassroots structure that few can ignore.
Why the Timing Favors a Technocrat
The 2027 election will take place at a critical inflection point for Lagos. With challenges ranging from border trade complexities and climate vulnerability to urban congestion, the electorate is increasingly leaning toward leadership that understands policy over politics.
Dr. Ajose’s background in Geography (B.Sc. from the University of Ilorin) and his tenure in infrastructure development place him in a unique class of aspirants who view the governor’s office as a management role rather than a political trophy.
The Quiet Movement for a Loud Outcome
In the complex theater of Lagos politics, momentum is often gained in the shadows before it hits the spotlight. By focusing on inclusion and competence, Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose is reframing the 2027 conversation.
If the APC’s unwritten doctrine of rotational balance holds true, the Badagry corridor may finally have its day. As the "Power Chessboard" takes shape, the move toward Ajose reflects a desire for a Lagos that expands its geography without diminishing its legendary excellence.