A Lagos State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Samuel Ajose, has questioned the party’s decision to sell nomination forms to aspirants despite what he described as an apparent move to adopt a consensus candidate.
Ajose, who said he represents the interests of the Badagry Federation, expressed dissatisfaction with the process, arguing that it lacked transparency and fairness.
Speaking on Arise News Morning Show on Wednesday, Ajose noted that he was the first aspirant to purchase the party’s ₦50 million nomination form, adding that the funds were raised through the support of grassroots backers who believe in his candidacy.
“If the leadership already knew they were going to endorse a candidate, why did they sell forms to all aspirants?” he queried.
He maintained that the contest should be open, free, and credible, insisting that all aspirants deserve a level playing field in the race to succeed incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Ajose also decried what he described as the marginalisation of Badagry, stating that the area has been neglected in the political structure of Lagos State for over five decades. He said his ambition is partly driven by the need to give the region a stronger voice in governance.
The aspirant further declared that he possesses the intellectual, political, and financial capacity to compete with other contenders, including the Deputy Governor of the state, Obafemi Hamzat, who is reportedly enjoying the backing of key party leaders.
Hamzat has recently been endorsed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and other influential stakeholders within the Lagos APC, a development that has fueled speculations about a possible consensus arrangement ahead of the party’s primaries.
Ajose, however, insisted that such a move undermines internal democracy and the confidence of party members, urging the leadership to ensure a transparent process that reflects the will of the people.
The controversy highlights growing concerns over candidate selection processes within political parties as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the next election cycle in Lagos State.
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