Ajose Declares Lagos Governorship Ambition, Pledges Renewed Hope, Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development
Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose on Wednesday formally declared his intention to contest the Lagos State governorship under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to build on the progressive legacy of the state while introducing innovative solutions to its socio-economic challenges.
Ajose made the declaration at the Police College Field, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, where party leaders, supporters, women groups, youths and members of the media gathered for the event.
In his address, Ajose said his ambition was driven by a desire to deepen development in Lagos and align the state with the national reform agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the “architect of modern Lagos.”
According to him, his vision for the state is anchored on the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on improving the welfare of citizens, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring inclusive development.
“Today is not just a declaration; it is a reaffirmation of our collective destiny and a pledge to build upon the solid foundation laid by generations of progressive governance in Lagos State,” Ajose said.
He noted that Lagos had remained a beacon of opportunity due to visionary leadership over the years and pledged to sustain that legacy while bringing fresh perspectives to governance.
Ajose outlined four key pillars of his proposed administration — housing, transportation, education and healthcare — which he said were rooted in the progressive ideals of the late sage Obafemi Awolowo.
Under housing, he promised to implement ambitious affordable housing programmes through public-private partnerships and innovative financing models to address the state’s growing housing demand.
On transportation, Ajose said his administration would expand integrated transport networks across road, rail and water systems to reduce congestion and improve commuting through projects such as expanded Bus Rapid Transit corridors, rail investments and improved ferry services.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen education through improved infrastructure, teacher development and increased investment in vocational and technical training, while prioritizing girl-child education.
In the health sector, Ajose pledged to pursue universal health coverage by strengthening primary healthcare services, upgrading public health facilities and promoting preventive healthcare campaigns.
Beyond these core sectors, the governorship aspirant said his administration would align state development plans with the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that Lagos must intensify efforts ahead of the 2030 target.
Ajose further pledged to lift at least two million people out of poverty within four years through targeted economic empowerment programmes, including support for small and medium enterprises, technology hubs, vocational training and investments in agricultural value chains.
“I promise a government for all Lagosians regardless of creed, ethnicity or political affiliation. Every citizen will have a stake in our shared future,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the SMA Movement, Biodun Coker, in a welcome address, described the event as the launch of a strategic grassroots mobilisation campaign tagged “Renewed Hope 2.0” in support of the re-election of President Tinubu.
Coker said the initiative would activate political structures across the 376 wards and 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure wider support for the ruling party.
He added that the movement would undertake door-to-door campaigns across the state, urging party members to remain united and committed to ensuring electoral victory in future contests.
According to him, the mobilisation effort aims to reinforce Lagos as the stronghold of progressive politics and a key driver of the Renewed Hope agenda in Nigeria.
