Samuel Mawuyon Ajose Declares Lagos Governorship Bid, Launches Renewed Hope 2.0 Campaign for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Reelection
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, on Wednesday officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, while simultaneously launching the Renewed Hope 2.0 mobilisation campaign in support of the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ajose made the declaration during a political gathering organised by the SMA Movement at the Police College Field in Ikeja, Lagos, where party leaders, members, and supporters converged to signal the start of a statewide grassroots mobilisation effort.
Speaking at the event, Ajose said his governorship ambition was driven by a commitment to build on the progressive legacy of leadership in Lagos and accelerate development across key sectors of the state’s economy.
He described Lagos as a “beacon of hope and opportunity” that had witnessed remarkable transformation under successive administrations, particularly under the leadership of President Tinubu, whom he referred to as the architect of modern Lagos.
According to him, his vision for the state aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, which he said focuses on innovation, courage, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.
“I declare my intention to seek the gubernatorial ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and ultimately serve as the next Governor of Lagos State,” Ajose told supporters at the event.
He pledged to prioritise good governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity if elected, while outlining key policy areas that would shape his administration.
Ajose identified housing, transportation, education, and healthcare as the four cardinal pillars of his development agenda.
On housing, he promised to pursue large-scale affordable housing programmes through public-private partnerships and innovative financing models to address the growing housing deficit in the state.
He also proposed an integrated transportation system combining road, rail, and water transport to reduce traffic congestion and improve commuting across Lagos.
In the education sector, Ajose said his administration would prioritise quality and inclusive education, with particular emphasis on girl-child education, improved learning infrastructure, and the integration of technology and vocational skills training.
He further pledged to strengthen primary healthcare systems and expand access to affordable medical services in order to achieve broader healthcare coverage for residents.
The APC aspirant also promised to align Lagos’ development plans with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that with the 2030 global deadline approaching, Lagos must accelerate efforts toward sustainable development.
As part of his economic agenda, Ajose said his administration would implement policies aimed at lifting at least two million Lagos residents out of poverty within four years through support for small and medium enterprises, agricultural value chains, vocational training, and technology-driven enterprises.
Earlier in a welcome address, Director-General of the SMA Movement, Biodun Coker, said the gathering also marked the official launch of the Renewed Hope 2.0 campaign to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s reelection.
Coker explained that the initiative would involve a statewide door-to-door mobilisation across the 376 wards and 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.
He noted that the grassroots activation was designed to strengthen the political structure of the APC across the state and increase engagement with communities ahead of future elections.
Coker also referenced recent global geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran, Israel and the United States, saying Nigeria’s economic stability had been aided by policy decisions taken by President Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, the reform has encouraged local refining investments, including the operations of the Dangote Refinery, which he said would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
He also acknowledged that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos fell short of expectations for the APC but stressed that the party was now intensifying mobilisation to strengthen its political base across the state.
Ajose, while appealing to party members and leaders for support, said his ambition was rooted in loyalty to the APC and a desire to deliver inclusive development for Lagos residents.
He urged party faithful to unite behind his aspiration ahead of the party’s primary election, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in future elections in the state.
“Let us unite in aspiration and in action to build a Lagos that is smarter, more resilient, more equitable and more prosperous for generations to come,” he said.
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