In a significant political development that has reshaped the landscape of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Samuel Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, has formally withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race and thrown his weight behind Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
“When Your Elders Talk, You Listen”
Ajose, a Badagry-born politician and chieftain of the Lagos APC, described his decision as emotionally taxing but necessary for the unity and stability of the party.
“The race has been very interesting and it came to an emotional end yesterday for the phase of SMA for the 2027 election,” he stated. “When you have the leadership of the party saying this is the way we want to go, you can’t walk in isolation if you want to remain in the party.
The aspirant, who had previously maintained his intention to contest through the primary process, revealed that extensive consultations with party leadership ultimately guided his choice to step aside. He emphasised respect for the APC constitution and internal democratic processes as key factors in his decision.
“What I can tell you is that everybody that constitutes the leadership of the party sat me down and when your elders are talking to you, you have to listen,” Ajose explained
Sources close to the development indicate that Ajose’s withdrawal followed a private call with President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the APC, at his Lagos residence on Tuesday.
Discussions reportedly centred on party cohesion, the imperative to avoid a fractious primary contest, and strategic considerations for the 2027 general elections. The President’s intervention is seen as part of broader efforts to consolidate the APC’s structure in Lagos ahead of a critical electoral cycle.
“When we sat down, we had our negotiation, everything was centred around Badagry and I think for the first time, Badagry was able to sit on the table of negotiation when it comes to the table of Lagos State and we were able to get some juicy benefits for Badagry,” he reveale
Hamzat Emerges as Consensus Candidate
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat is widely regarded as the preferred candidate of the APC establishment in Lagos. He has secured endorsements from President Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the influential Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Hamzat, 61, served as Commissioner under the administrations of former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola before being elected Deputy Governor in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. His experience, administrative pedigree, and alignment with the party’s leadership have positioned him as the frontrunner for the APC ticket.
Political Implications
Political analysts view Ajose’s withdrawal as a strategic manoeuvre that strengthens Hamzat’s position while preserving internal party harmony. In a state as politically complex as Lagos, where factional interests and regional balancing act as critical variables, consensus-building remains essential for electoral success.
The move also underscores the continued influence of “godfather” politics and top-down coordination within the APC, even as the party publicly champions internal democracy. With the primary election approaching, the consolidation around Hamzat suggests the party is positioning for a unified front against opposition challengers in 2027.
