By Peter Dansu The race to succeed Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2027 has taken a dramatic turn following the exit of th...
By Peter Dansu
The race to succeed Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2027 has taken a dramatic turn following the exit of three high-profile aspirants serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Those now effectively out of the contest are Femi Gbajabiamila, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Tunji Alausa.
Their chances of contesting the Lagos governorship under the platform of the APC were dashed after they failed to meet the March 31, 2026 deadline reportedly set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all political appointees interested in elective positions in 2027 to resign from office.
With the trio now out of the race, attention has shifted to former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and current Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, both of whom are from Epe and are increasingly being seen as leading contenders for the coveted APC ticket.
Other notable figures still in contention include former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Senator representing Lagos East Tokunbo Abiru, member of the House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency Babajimi Benson and leader of the SMA Gold Movement, Samuel Mawuyon Ajose.
The latest development comes amid reports that Dr. Hamzat had secured the backing of President Tinubu and some influential members of the Governance Advisory Council following a recent meeting between South-West APC leaders and the President during the Eid holiday.
However, conflicting accounts have continued to trail the reported endorsement. While some insiders insist Hamzat has the support of key power brokers within the party, others familiar with the meeting described the claims as exaggerated and misleading, insisting that no final decision has been taken.
Meanwhile, supporters of Ambode are said to be banking on what they describe as his growing popularity among Lagos residents and party faithful. Sources within the APC believe there is strong public sympathy for the former governor, with many stakeholders warning against ignoring the mood of the electorate ahead of the 2027 contest.
There are also indications that political realignments may be underway within the ruling party. Party insiders say Ayinde is being considered as a strong contender for the Lagos West Senatorial ticket, while Obasa may eventually remain as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Should that happen, Obasa would go down as one of the longest-serving Speakers in the history of any state assembly in Nigeria.
With the APC yet to settle on a clear successor to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the battle for Lagos in 2027 appears set to become one of the fiercest and most closely watched political contests in the country.
ليست هناك تعليقات