By: Manoah Kikekon
IKEJA, LAGOS – The political landscape of Lagos State witnessed a seismic shift on Wednesday as APC chieftain, Mr. Samuel Ajose, formally declared his intention to run for the governorship of Lagos State. The declaration, held at the iconic Police College Field in Ikeja, doubled as a massive mobilization rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda.
The event, organized by the SMA Movement, drew an unprecedented crowd of over 25,000 supporters drawn from all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state. The sea of broom-waving partisans signaled an early start to the internal horse-trading within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a speech marked by humility and conviction, Ajose described his ambition as a "reaffirmation of a collective destiny." He positioned himself as the ideal candidate to protect and expand the progressive governance legacy that has defined Lagos since 1999.
"I declare my intention to seek the gubernatorial ticket of our great party, the APC, and ultimately serve as the next Governor of Lagos State," Ajose announced to thunderous applause. He paid glowing tribute to President Bola Tinubu, whom he labeled the "architect of modern Lagos," vowing to align his state vision strictly with the federal government's developmental roadmap.
A central theme of the declaration was the synchronization of state and federal interests. Ajose emphasized that his governorship would be a vehicle for accelerating the Renewed Hope agenda within the borders of Lagos.
"For Lagos, Renewed Hope means accelerating development, expanding opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind," he stated. By anchoring his campaign on the President’s success, Ajose is positioning himself as a loyalist capable of maintaining the synergy between the Alausa Power House and the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Beyond the political rhetoric, the aspirant outlined a clear policy framework. Ajose identified four core pillars that would define his administration: Housing, Transportation, Education, and Healthcare.
He pledged that his government would be built on the foundations of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. With the rising cost of living and urban migration pressures, Ajose’s focus on housing and transportation resonates deeply with the average Lagosian struggling with the city's infrastructure demands.
The party leadership has reacted favorably to the early stirrings of ambition. The Lagos APC Vice Chairman, Mr. Moshood Maiyegun, who attended the event, commended the SMA Movement for its grassroots energy. He noted that such initiatives are vital for reinforcing the party’s progressive ideology.
"The APC remains committed to internal democracy and inclusiveness," Maiyegun remarked. "Aspirants are free to pursue their ambitions within the framework of our party, and we encourage healthy competition that strengthens our structure."
Maiyegun used the platform to remind members that while individual ambitions are healthy, the ultimate goal remains the party's dominance. He urged supporters to remain disciplined and to continue promoting President Tinubu’s administration at the community level.
"With unity, discipline, and strategic mobilization, the APC will remain the dominant political force in Lagos," the Vice Chairman added, reinforcing the party’s "no-voter-left-behind" strategy for the upcoming 2027 polls.
The sheer scale of the gathering at Ikeja suggests that the SMA Movement has spent months building a formidable structure at the ward level. Supporters interviewed at the field cited Ajose’s track record as a "grassroots general" as the primary reason for their early endorsement.
Political analysts suggest that by declaring early and simultaneously mobilizing for the President, Ajose is attempting to secure the "loyalty vote" within the APC hierarchy. This dual-purpose strategy makes it difficult for detractors to frame his ambition as anything other than an extension of the party’s central mission.
During his address, Ajose waxed lyrical about the "Lagos Dream," describing the state as a beacon of hope and opportunity shaped by visionary leadership. He argued that to keep this dream alive, the state needs a leader who understands the intricacies of the "Lagos Masterplan."