Ajose Denies Endorsing Hamzat, Insists on Staying in Lagos Governorship Race

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, has dismissed reports claiming he has stepped down or endorsed Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, Ajose described the viral reports as false and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine his campaign. The controversy followed a purported press release alleging that he had aligned with the decisions of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to support Hamzat’s candidacy.

Reacting to the development, Ajose firmly denied any such move, stating, “My attention has been drawn to the circulation of a false and unauthorized press release purporting to convey my endorsement of Dr. Hamzat as the Lagos State governorship candidate of our party, and my support for the decisions of the state’s GAC, a process in which I played no part.”

He further described the publication as “fictitious, unsanctioned, and malicious in intent,” stressing that it neither reflects his personal position nor that of his campaign organisation.

The Badagry-born politician also issued a warning to individuals and media platforms spreading the report, calling it defamatory and potentially criminal. “I urge the good people of Lagos State and my supporters across the country to disregard it entirely. All parties circulating this material are hereby placed on notice: retraction and full deletion must occur within 12 hours, or legal proceedings will follow,” he said.

Ajose’s rebuttal comes amid heightened political activity within the Lagos APC, where speculations about consensus arrangements have intensified. By distancing himself from the alleged endorsement, he reaffirmed his commitment to the race, noting that the contest for the governorship seat remains open and urging media organisations to verify information before publication.