Lagos APC Governorship Race Heats Up: Samuel Ajose Defies Party Leadership, Picks Nomination Forms for 2027
By Abiola Olawale | Expert Analysis & Commentary
The political landscape within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted dramatically as Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose has officially picked up the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination form for the 2027 governorship election. This bold move, announced via his official X handle on Wednesday, signals a direct challenge to the party’s established hierarchy and the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Defiance: A Direct Snub to Sanwo-Olu and the GAC
Ajose’s decision is not merely a routine candidacy declaration; it is a calculated act of defiance against the powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest advisory body of the APC in Lagos State. Just days prior, outgoing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor. The GAC subsequently ratified Hamzat as the consensus candidate, a move traditionally seen as the final word in Lagos APC politics.
By picking up the forms, Ajose is effectively rejecting this anointed succession plan. This creates a rare and significant fracture within the party, exposing a growing tension between the grassroots and the party’s elite decision-makers. For context, the GAC has historically wielded immense influence, often determining the party’s ticket without a contested primary. Ajose’s action suggests a belief that the era of “godfatherism” may be waning, or at least that there is a viable path to challenge it.
Who is Samuel Ajose? The Businessman with a Grassroots Surge
Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose is a popular businessman whose profile has risen sharply in recent months. Unlike career politicians, Ajose’s appeal appears to stem from a narrative of outsider status and a promise of technocratic governance. He has gained significant momentum, bolstered by a wave of endorsements from Badagry youth, local traditional rulers, and various APC support groups. This grassroots support is critical, as it provides a counterweight to the institutional power of the GAC.
In his statement, Ajose framed his candidacy as a moral and developmental imperative: “This moment is bigger than a political process. It is a personal commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, and the kind of progress that every Lagosian can feel and point to. My resolve is rooted in service, anchored in a clear vision, and driven by one conviction; that Lagos deserves development which reaches every community, creates real opportunities for its people, and leaves no one behind.”
This rhetoric taps into a deep-seated frustration among many Lagosians who feel that the state’s rapid development has been uneven, often bypassing the mainland and less affluent areas in favor of the island and central business districts.
Deeper Context: What This Means for Lagos APC and 2027
This development is more than a local party squabble; it is a bellwether for the future of internal democracy within the APC. Here are the key implications:
1. The End of Anointed Succession?
For decades, Lagos APC has operated on a model where the outgoing governor and the GAC handpick the successor. Sanwo-Olu himself was a product of this system in 2019. Ajose’s challenge suggests that this model may be losing its legitimacy. If he forces a primary election, it could set a precedent for more open contests in the future, weakening the grip of party elders.
2. The Badagry Factor
Ajose’s strong support base in Badagry is strategically significant. Badagry is a key constituency in Lagos West, a senatorial district that has historically produced governors. By rallying local traditional rulers and youth, Ajose is building a regional power base that could be difficult for the party leadership to ignore without risking a loss of votes in the general election.
3. A Test of Grassroots vs. Elites
The 2027 election will be a test of whether grassroots endorsements can overcome elite consensus. If Ajose can translate his local support into a credible primary challenge, it could reshape how political campaigns are run in Lagos, shifting focus from backroom deals to direct voter engagement.
Practical Example: How This Could Play Out
Imagine a scenario where the APC primary is held. Hamzat, backed by the governor and the GAC, would have access to state resources and party machinery. Ajose, however, would rely on a groundswell of support from local chiefs and youth groups. If Ajose can mobilize 40% or more of the delegates, it would be a stunning rebuke to the establishment, even if he loses. A close result could force the party to adopt a more inclusive approach for future elections.
What’s Next? The Road to 2027
Ajose’s next steps will be critical. He must now submit his forms, pay the required fees, and begin a statewide campaign to win over delegates. The GAC and Sanwo-Olu will likely respond by tightening party discipline, possibly by threatening sanctions or offering incentives to defectors. The coming months will reveal whether Ajose’s movement has staying power or if it is a flash in the pan.
For now, one thing is clear: the Lagos APC is no longer a monolith. The drama has only just begun.
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