Two aspirants seeking the Lagos State governorship ticket of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have been cleared to participate in the party’s primaries scheduled for May 21, party officials and campaign teams said on Sunday.
The aspirants, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat and Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose popularly called SMA Gold, were screened and cleared by the APC governorship screening committee in Abuja ahead of the contest to determine the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, Lagos APC Governorship Aspirant
Hamzat is widely regarded by political observers as enjoying the backing of influential figures within the party, including supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Ajose, a Badagry-born politician, also secured clearance after what members of his campaign described as a strong performance during the screening exercise.
Supporters of Ajose who celebrated the development described it as a boost to his governorship ambition.
Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, Lagos APC Governorship Aspirant
Ajose’s campaign team said he arrived at the screening venue accompanied by traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders from Badagry Division.
Speaking after the exercise, Ajose thanked the party leadership and his supporters for their confidence in him. “I am deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the party and by the massive show of solidarity from our leaders and the people of Badagry and beyond,” he said.
Ajose said his ambition represented the aspirations of Lagos residents seeking “inclusive, compassionate and transformational governance.”
In a statement issued after the screening, the SMA Media Team described the clearance as confirmation of Ajose’s credentials and commitment to Lagos State’s development.
CliqMetro reports that the APC governorship primaries are expected to intensify political activity within Nigeria’s commercial capital ahead of the 2027 elections.