Lagos APC Promises Transparent Primary as Ajose Rejects Withdrawal Rumours

Lagos APC Promises Transparent Primary as Ajose Rejects Withdrawal Rumours

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Samuel Ajose, has reaffirmed his commitment to the governorship race, dismissing speculations that he may step down ahead of the party’s primary election scheduled for May 21.

Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, spoke after a meeting with the Lagos APC State Working Committee (SWC) at the party secretariat, where party leaders assured aspirants of a transparent and credible primary process.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the party would conduct the primary in line with the Electoral Act and directives from the APC national leadership.

He explained that the meeting formed part of ongoing consultations between the party leadership and governorship aspirants seeking the APC ticket for the 2027 election.

According to Ojelabi, the APC remains committed to internal democracy and fairness, stressing that every aspirant would be given equal opportunity during the exercise.

He added that the party had continued to witness intense political engagement across the state, with aspirants meeting party members and stakeholders at the grassroots level in preparation for the primary.

“We are determined to ensure a level playing field for everybody. The process will reflect the democratic ideals of our party,” Ojelabi stated.

The APC chairman also described Ajose as a longstanding member of the progressive family, noting that his visit was aimed at formally notifying the leadership of his governorship ambition.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Ajose expressed satisfaction with the assurances given by the party leadership, saying he was encouraged by the commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.

He maintained that he remained fully in the race and had no intention of withdrawing from the contest.

“We came to interact with our leaders and seek assurances that the process would be credible and transparent. From what we heard today, we are satisfied,” he said.

Ajose further pledged loyalty to the APC, stressing that he would accept the final outcome of the primary election in the spirit of party unity and discipline.

The philanthropist also used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promising that his political structure would work towards delivering massive votes for the President in the 2027 general election.

He expressed optimism that the APC would emerge stronger after the governorship primary and retain Lagos State in the next electoral cycle.