Samuel Ajose advocates free healthcare, higher wages, and modern transportation in Lagos

Dr. Samuel Mayuyon Ajose, widely known as SMA, is contesting the Lagos State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview he details his agenda for Lagos, which includes free healthcare, enhanced education, improved civil‑service welfare, youth empowerment and alternative transport solutions to reduce congestion. He also discusses grassroots mobilisation and his plan to deliver 3.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Uzoma Mba brings excerpts

Can you tell us more about your agenda in the coming election?

We are focusing on the Lagos State Civil Service. The issue of a minimum wage has been raised repeatedly. Lagos is a pioneer state that other states look to for example. We argue that Lagos should already be paying a living wage.

The wage we propose would cover housing, transport and still leave enough for family expenses. We believe that introducing such a wage would cut corruption by about 90 per cent, because a civil servant who knows his salary will meet his bills is far less likely to engage in corrupt activities. That is our target.

Our second priority is universal healthcare for every Lagosian. Lagos is affluent enough to provide quality health services to its citizens. A healthy population is a prosperous one, so we intend to make basic health care free for all. Whether a person suffers from malaria, typhoid or any other ailment, treatment should not be a financial burden.

On education, we aim to provide free schooling in all Lagos State‑owned institutions, up to university level. Tuition fees will be subsidised by 70 per cent for every indigene of Lagos State. These are some of the benefits Lagosians can expect.

Regarding transport, we are looking at the communities from Epe to Badagry that line the waterways. To decongest traffic we plan to develop automotive jetties similar to the one in Falomo for every community along the route – Epe, Ikorodu, Ketu, Mile 2, Alakija and onward to Badagry. Coupled with ultra‑modern ferries, including premium‑class options, commuters will have a comfortable, cheaper alternative to driving, which should ease traffic on that corridor.

We are also targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We intend to identify talented individuals and support them in expanding across West Africa. While foreign investors, such as Chinese businessmen, receive sponsorship from their governments, we will sponsor Lagosians to operate in Togo, Benin, Ghana and Cameroon. Their success abroad will generate foreign‑exchange returns and strengthen our economy.

If these initiatives are implemented, Lagos could transform dramatically within four years. Empowering our youth to become prosperous will raise living standards, reduce poverty and enhance the security and success of Lagos State.

What have you done in terms of grassroots mobilisation as a governorship aspirant in Lagos State?

At the grassroots level we have energized the base and attracted many former members of the Labour Party and ADC to join the APC. Lagosians are demanding something new – a fresh breath – and we claim to understand their language and empathise with them. By 2027 we expect to deliver 3.5 million votes for the President, a figure we are confident will be achieved.

We sponsored numerous candidates, and every person we supported was elected chairman of their local government under our party.

But what are you going to do to subdue the Deputy Governor of the state who is claimed to have been anointed by the President?

As seen on television, the President has not spoken publicly. Party laws and the party constitution are supreme; whatever the President says, we will abide by it. Forms are still being sold and more people are joining. By the grace of God we are energized for the primaries and are working to ensure a smooth re‑election of our President in 2027. The final endorsement will become clear as the process unfolds.

I represent the good people of Lagos State. I came forward on their mandate and have just been screened for the governorship primaries scheduled for 21 May.

During the screening I answered the standard questions and outlined my objectives. We have promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that we will deliver 3.5 million votes in the 2027 election. The structure is in place; the work is ready to be manifested.

What do you have to say to Lagosians to support you in the coming elections?

Lagosians already know their candidate. Over the past eighteen months I have been engaging with them, and they recognise Dr Samuel Mayuyon Ajose (SMA) as their choice. Even if attempts are made to sway them, they remain confident that the primaries will bring a decisive turnaround.

The opposition to SMA appears to be opposition to the masses. The masses will demonstrate their strength. At our rally last Saturday in Ijinake – a small town – thousands turned out, waving their PVCs and party registrations, showing they are not a paid crowd.

Our supporters span all 57 local governments of Lagos State. When they turn out, the “magic” will happen. The projected 3.5 million votes will be the foundation of what we will deliver for the APC and the President in 2027.

How do you hope to get the support of other people who are not from your constituency?

I have been the sole candidate in this race for the past year and a half. Our support is strongest in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry Local Government Areas. My father hails from Badagry and my mother from Ikorodu, giving me a personal link to two LGAs, while my upbringing on Lagos Island connects me to Lagos Central.

Our rallies regularly attract more than 4,000 supporters, all of whom possess PVCs and the power to vote. Their impact in 2027 will be evident.

If you become the Governor of Lagos today, what is the first change we are going to see?

The immediate priority is to make life more comfortable for Lagosians by decongesting traffic. Commuters currently start work as early as 4 a.m. and return between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., a schedule that shortens life expectancy and deprives people of rest.

We do not want Lagosians to continue living under such conditions. Our first action will therefore focus on reducing traffic congestion, enabling a healthier and happier populace.