The political panorama in Lagos State is already displaying early indicators of turbulence as stakeholders inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) start to place their most well-liked candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Whereas Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stays in workplace, consideration is quickly shifting to who will succeed him as the subsequent helmsman of Nigeria’s business capital.
One of many names attracting vital curiosity is that of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Employees to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Party insiders say there’s rising momentum behind Gbajabiamila’s potential candidacy, with fashionable Nollywood actor and Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Desmond Elliot, mentioned to be quietly coordinating assist inside social gathering ranks.
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Proponents argue that Gbajabiamila’s shut ties to the presidency, mixed together with his in depth legislative and now govt expertise, make him a powerful contender. “Lagos wants somebody who understands governance at each the legislative and govt ranges,” mentioned APC stalwart Well-known Oloyede from Surulere.
Nonetheless, not everyone seems to be on board. Some social gathering members query whether or not Gbajabiamila, who will likely be 64 in 2027, represents the youthful management Lagos wants. “We ought to be speaking about generational shift. It’s time for different administrative districts to take the reins,” mentioned a senior APC determine.
The problem of zoning stays a central level of competition. Lagos State consists of 5 administrative districts beneath the IBILE acronym—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Notably, all governors since 1999 have hailed from Lagos Island or Epe, leaving districts like Badagry and Ikorodu largely sidelined.
The folks of Epe, as soon as represented by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, are lobbying for renewed consideration, citing what they describe as “political marginalization” since Ambode’s fallout with the APC management. One title now being promoted is Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Well being and Social Welfare. Seen as loyal and succesful, many in Epe consider Alausa might restore the district’s standing.
In Ikorodu, strain is mounting for broader illustration. Regardless of present Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat hailing from the division, many argue Ikorodu has but to totally occupy the highest political seat. Names comparable to federal lawmaker Rep. Babajimi Benson and Hamzat himself are being floated, whereas Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee, is reportedly being thought-about for deputy governor—significantly if the governorship goes to a different district.
“Ogunleye’s 14-day stint as deputy governor beneath Tinubu in 2007 can’t be thought-about significant illustration,” mentioned a celebration supply in Ogolonto, Ikorodu. “Ikorodu deserves an actual shot at management, not symbolic gestures.”
In the meantime, requires Badagry to provide its first governor for the reason that return of democracy in 1999 are gaining traction. “Each different district has had a flip. Badagry should be subsequent,” a celebration insider to Newsmen.
One other political heavyweight being talked about is Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, protecting a number of strategic LGAs together with Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Kosofe, and Somolu.
His profile as a technocrat and skilled banker-turned-lawmaker is interesting to these calling for a practical chief.
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State Home of Meeting, can be seen as a potential entrant.
Although he has not made a proper declaration, a current cryptic comment—“Turning into governor is secondary, however I’m neither too younger nor inexperienced”—has stirred hypothesis of his curiosity.
Including one other layer to the race is Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Whereas he has not indicated any intention to run, a number of diaspora teams are reportedly rooting for him, inserting the APC’s highest decision-making physique within the state—the Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—in a delicate place. The President’s silence has additional fueled conjecture.
With no clear frontrunner and mounting strain from the assorted IBILE blocs, the 2027 Lagos gubernatorial race is shaping as much as be some of the anticipated and contested within the state’s current political historical past.
Observers anticipate the months forward to see extra strategic alignments, silent endorsements, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering because the political chessboard begins to take form in Africa’s most politically dynamic state.
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