KEY POINTS

• APC chieftain Samuel Ajose withdrew from the Lagos governorship race and endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
• Ajose said the decision was made in the interest of party unity and collective progress.
• His withdrawal followed a similar move by Jandor, who also backed Hamzat for the governorship position.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Ajose, has withdrawn from the Lagos State governorship race and declared support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the next governorship election.

Ajose announced his decision on Tuesday while addressing supporters in Lagos, describing the move as one made in the interest of party unity and collective progress.

According to Ajose, the decision to step down was difficult but necessary after carefully considering what would benefit the party and supporters.

“I know it is a very tough decision. I still struggled with it overnight. But when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said.

He explained that his focus remained on ensuring that the interests of party members and stakeholders were protected, even if he was not the eventual candidate.

Ajose Backs Hamzat’s Ambition

Ajose stated that he would now fully support Obafemi Hamzat’s governorship ambition and become part of his campaign structure.

“In the interest of the party, I, Dr Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, have decided that I will let go. I will support Dr Hamzat, and we are going to be part of his campaign,” he said.

He added that his supporters would also play active roles in Hamzat’s political campaign ahead of the election.

Ajose’s withdrawal came weeks after former Lagos governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also stepped down from the race and endorsed Hamzat.

Jandor had said his decision followed the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos State.

The former PDP governorship candidate described his withdrawal as a sacrifice aimed at strengthening party unity and cohesion within the APC.

The endorsements are seen as boosting Hamzat’s political standing within the ruling party as preparations for the next Lagos governorship election gradually intensify.

Political observers believe the recent withdrawals may reduce internal competition within the APC and strengthen efforts to present a united front ahead of the polls.