By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Samuel Ajose, APC and Obafemi Hamzat |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, a leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially debunked viral reports suggesting he has stepped down or endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 Lagos State governorship race.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and made available to News Peddlers, Dr. Ajose described the rumors as a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion and disrupt his campaign's momentum.
The controversy erupted following a purported press release that claimed Dr. Ajose had aligned with the decisions of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to back Hamzat’s candidacy. However, the aspirant was quick to distance himself from the narrative, stating he was never part of such a process.
"My attention has been drawn to the circulation of a false and unauthorized Press Release... purporting to convey my endorsement of Dr. Hamzat as the Lagos State Governorship Candidate of our Party, and my support for the decisions of the State’s GAC, a process in which I played no part," Ajose stated.
He further clarified that the publication was "fictitious, unsanctioned, and malicious in intent," emphasizing that it does not reflect his personal views or the strategy of his campaign organization.
Dr. Ajose, a prominent figure in the Badagry Federation and Lagos politics, issued a stern warning to media outlets and individuals spreading the "fake news." He categorized the act as a defamatory and potentially criminal instrument aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the APC primaries.
"I urge the good people of Lagos State and my supporters across the country to disregard it entirely," he said. "All parties who have published or continue to circulate this material are hereby placed on notice: retraction and full deletion must occur within 12 hours. Legal proceedings for reputational and electoral damages will follow without further notice."
The denial comes at a time of intense political maneuvering within the Lagos APC. With recent reports suggesting a transition plan involving the Deputy Governor, the "endorsement" rumor was seen by many as a move to clear the field for a consensus candidate.
By standing his ground, Dr. Ajose has reaffirmed his commitment to the governorship race, signaling that the contest for the Alausa Government House remains wide open. He urged responsible media houses to verify information before publication to avoid being used as tools for political sabotage.