A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Samuel Ajose, has withdrawn from the Lagos State governorship race and declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the next governorship election.

Ajose announced on Tuesday while addressing supporters in Lagos, explaining that the decision was reached after what he described as careful reflection and consideration of the broader interests of the party and its members.

According to him, the choice was difficult but ultimately necessary for unity and collective progress within the APC.

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

Ajose stated that his focus remained on ensuring that all stakeholders benefited from the political process, regardless of who eventually emerged as governor.

“Everything that everybody will benefit from, even if I won’t be the governor, you are still going to benefit because you have made sure that you took care of the interests of everybody. And I think that’s the best,” he added.

Formally announcing his withdrawal, Ajose pledged full support for Hamzat’s governorship ambition and said he would actively participate in the 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, and we are going to take a very important position in his campaign,” he said.

Ajose’s decision comes weeks after former Lagos governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also withdrew from the governorship race and endorsed Hamzat.

Jandor had attributed his withdrawal to the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos State.

“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our Leader, the President of Nigeria, and Leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the prevailing realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” Jandor had earlier stated.

He described the move as a sacrifice made in the interest of party cohesion and unity while reaffirming loyalty to the APC leadership structure.