Fresh political tension is building within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following a high-profile mobilisation rally organised by Badagry-born businessman, Dr Samuel Ajose, as he intensifies his push for the party’s 2027 governorship ticket.
The energetic rally, held in Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland, drew a large crowd of supporters and has since generated widespread reactions across social media, raising fresh questions over the contest for the APC governorship ticket in President Bola Tinubu’s political stronghold.
In a viral video shared on X by user Pooja, Ajose was seen addressing supporters, urging them to proudly display their Permanent Voter Cards while the crowd responded with loud cheers and chants of support.
The video was accompanied by the caption: “Omo! Samuel Ajose is not backing down for Hamzat o. See the massive turnout for his Lagos Rally. APC Primaries go hot 😂”
Watch the video below:
The development has stirred fresh conversations within political circles, especially as it comes only days after key APC powerbrokers reportedly endorsed Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 Lagos governorship race.
Verily News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other influential APC stakeholders, had thrown their weight behind Hamzat following a strategic meeting in Abuja.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had also publicly confirmed Tinubu’s support for Hamzat, while the GAC and other senior party figures presented him as the preferred successor.
Despite the endorsement, Ajose has continued his grassroots mobilisation across parts of Lagos, making it clear that he has no intention of withdrawing from the race.
The businessman and political mobiliser has reportedly rejected suggestions that the endorsement of Hamzat automatically settles the contest, insisting on pursuing his ambition through the party’s internal democratic process.
His growing support base and continued public appearances are now fueling speculation that the Lagos APC governorship primary could become one of the most fiercely contested political battles in the state’s recent history.
Political observers say Ajose’s refusal to step down may test the influence of the party’s traditional power structure as aspirants continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 election season.
What you should know
Dr Samuel Ajose’s latest rally has introduced a fresh twist to Lagos APC’s succession politics.
Although Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has reportedly secured backing from President Tinubu and major party stakeholders, Ajose’s growing grassroots mobilisation suggests the race may not be as settled as many assumed. His refusal to withdraw highlights possible cracks in the consensus arrangement and could trigger a more competitive primary process.
The coming months may determine whether party endorsements remain decisive or whether grassroots political momentum can alter the expected outcome.
