By Peter Omopo
Lagos State governorship aspirant, Samuel Ajose, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship race and declared support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the party’s primary election.
Ajose announced his decision during a meeting with his campaign coordinators in Victoria Island, Lagos, following consultations with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.
Addressing supporters, Ajose said discussions with party leaders produced an outcome he described as favourable to members of his political structure and supporters across the state.
“I had a meeting with the governor of Lagos State. I had a meeting with Dr. Hamzat. And they all reached a position, which is favourable to everybody sitting here,” he said.
Ajose disclosed that part of the agreement reached included commitments towards accelerated development in Badagry and other divisions that supported his ambition.
“What we have also negotiated, we have negotiated for rapid development of not just Badagry, but the other division that supported us, in which we are going to monitor some of them, to monitor the growth,” he stated.
The governorship aspirant admitted that the decision to step down from the race was difficult, saying he struggled with it before eventually accepting the outcome.
“I couldn’t sleep through the night. I struggled with it. But when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said.
According to him, the decision was taken in the interest of the party and to protect the political interests of his supporters.
“For you, in the interest of the party, I, Dr. Samuel Ajose, have decided that I will let go. I will support Dr. Hamzat,” he declared.
Ajose also assured supporters that his political structure would actively participate in Hamzat’s campaign ahead of the governorship election.
“We are going to be part of this campaign. We are going to take a very important position in this campaign,” he added.
He further expressed confidence that the alliance would guarantee future political support for his camp in subsequent elections.
