ADDRESS BY MR. SAMUEL MAWUYON AJOSE AT THE OPEN DECLARATION FOR GOVERNORSHIP OF LAGOS STATE ON WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH 2026 AT THE POLICE COLLEGE FIELD, OBA AKINJOBI WAY, GRA, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE
Distinguished National, State, and Local Government Leaders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress!
Esteemed Elders and Apex Leaders!
Our indefatigable Party Faithful!
My dear women, vibrant youths, and respected citizens of Lagos State!
Good morning to you all!
It is with a profound sense of humility, immense gratitude, and an unshakeable conviction that I stand before you today. This is not just a declaration; it is a reaffirmation of our collective destiny, a call to continued progress, and a pledge to build upon the solid foundation laid by generations of progressive governance in our beloved Lagos State.
For decades, Lagos has been a beacon of hope, a land of opportunity, and a testament to what focused, visionary leadership can achieve. We have witnessed remarkable transformation under the guidance of exceptional leaders, including our current President, the architect of modern Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
And it is precisely this spirit of continuity, coupled with a burning desire for innovation, that brings me before you today. I declare my intention to seek the gubernatorial ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and ultimately, to serve you as the next Governor of Lagos State!
My vision for Lagos is deeply rooted in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda. It is an agenda that calls for courage, innovation, and a relentless focus on improving the lives of every Nigerian. For Lagos, this “Renewed Hope” means accelerating our development, expanding our opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
I come to you not merely as an aspirant, but as a fresh blood within our progressive family dynamic, energetic, and filled with a positive resolve to tackle our most pressing socio-economic challenges with renewed vigour. I represent the continuity of our cherished progressive legacy, but with a fresh perspective, ready to infuse new ideas and implement bold solutions that will propel Lagos into an even brighter future.
Our mission is clear: to enhance the quality of life for every single Lagosian. This journey will be guided by principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. We will face our challenges head-on, transforming them into opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Let me outline some of the core pillars of my agenda, which resonate deeply with the foundational principles established by our revered father, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and are enshrined in Chapter 2, Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
We will aggressively reactivate and pursue the four cardinal objectives that have always defined progressive governance:
This includes expanding our BRT corridors, investing in light rail projects, and optimizing our ferry services.
Beyond these foundational pillars, my administration will demonstrate a profound determination to pursue aggressively the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are just four years away from the 2030 deadline, and while the task is monumental, we cannot afford to falter. We will align our state development plans with the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets, ensuring that every policy, every project, and every initiative contributes meaningfully to their attainment. From environmental sustainability and climate action to peace, justice, and strong institutions, Lagos will lead the charge in achieving these global objectives.
A major thrust of our socio-economic strategy will be poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. It is my profound determination to lift at least 2 million people out of poverty within the next four years. This will be achieved through strategic investments in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agricultural value chains, technology hubs, vocational training programs, and direct support for vulnerable households. We will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment, and foster a robust local economy where entrepreneurship flourishes.
My dear Lagosians, I promise you a government for all. Irrespective of your creed, your ethnic background, your social status, or your political affiliation, this administration will serve your interests. We will foster an environment of peace, unity, and mutual respect, recognizing that our diversity is our greatest strength. Every voice will be heard, every concern addressed, and every citizen will have a stake in our shared future.
To my esteemed Party Faithful, our leaders, our elders, and every committed member of the All Progressives Congress: I stand before you today not just as an aspirant, but as a loyal and dedicated member of this great party. I humbly seek your massive support, your trust, and your unwavering commitment. I urge you to rally around me as we embark on this crucial journey. Give me your mandate to pick our party’s ticket at the forthcoming Party Primary, to emerge as the flagbearer of the APC. I am confident that with your support, we will secure a resounding victory, not just for our party, but for the betterment of all Lagosians.
Let us unite, not just in aspiration, but in action. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is smarter, more resilient, more equitable, and more prosperous for generations to come.
Thank you, and God bless Lagos State! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
SAMUEL MAWUYON AJOSE
