…Eyes on Jandor, Ambode, Abiru, others
With the 2027 general election dominating discourse in political circles, the battle to succeed the incumbent Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu has begun.
In 2027, incumbent Sanwo-Olu would have served out his two terms of eight years, and Lagosians would go to the polls to elect a new governor for the nation’s commercial capital and industrial hub.
What is obvious is that on the political front, too, the stakes are extremely high. On one hand, it is a battle for the soul of the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) – the party which, in its various incarnations, has held power in the state since the advent of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.
The APC’s might and popularity in Lagos was tested in the 2023 general election and many agree that despite retaining power the party did not pass the test.
Having been given a shock, it never dreamed about by opposition parties, when its presidential candidate, incumbent President Bola Tinubu lost the state, the APC is aware of that threat in 2027.
The party would be seeking to keep at bay the challenge of the two main opposition camps, namely, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and especially the Labour Party (LP) whose massive campaign in the last election cycle, and the tremendous traction it gained among a segment of the electorate, gave the APC an almighty scare.
Perhaps, you would say the LP has lost its steam due to internal wrangling and crisis which has left it nearly dead since the 2023 polls, but there is a new threat in town for the APC in Lagos.
In the last few months, opposition politicians have formed a coalition to challenge the dominance of the ruling party and have merged into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ADC leaders have in the last few months been busy building structures, local government chapters and moving across Lagos state to mobilise people at the grassroots to join its fold.
Several high-profile politicians from opposition parties in Lagos State have joined the ADC in recent weeks and it is preparing for a fight in 2027, especially when the baton would be led by renowned politician in the state for decades, Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s national secretary who was a close ally of President Bola Tinubu until recent.
While one may say that it may be too early to say that the APC victory emerge victory in the gubernatorial election in 2027, it may be correct, however, to say that greater attention will be paid, in the run-up to 2027, to the contest within the ruling party the battle over who emerges the APC’s gubernatorial flagbearer than the battle between it and the opposition.
But within the APC many political heavy weight politicians in the state are beginning to warm up for the race to succeed incumbent Sanwo-Olu.
Although, they may not have come out openly to declare their intention to contest the Lagos APC governorship ticket, but some of their close political associates are already making comments to show that their principal was eyeing the number seat in the largest subnational economy in Africa.
Keen political observers say the next few months would reveal more about the battle ahead for the Lagos APC governorship ticket.
However, it is obvious that a combination of factors and circumstances will determine the emergence of said candidate and next governor of Lagos State; it may be premature to predict these factors. But what is certain is that whoever emerges would and must have the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.
Read also: 2027: Former PDP guber candidate, Jandor declares Lagos governorship ambition under APC
Possible candidates for Lagos governor in 2027
In recent weeks, many politicians have been mentioned to be eyeing the number seat in Lagos. Some of them are; Mukhail Adetokunbo (Tokunbo) Abiru, who currently represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the upper legislative chambers, Olajide Adediran, former Lagos governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of the state 2015-2019, Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, current Deputy-Governor of Lagos State, Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, eldest son of the President Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu among others.
However, out of these names, it is only Jandor who some days ago confirmed that he would contest the APC governorship ticket and also pledged full support for the re-election of President Tinubu, describing him as a progressive leader who deserves another term.
“As for Lagos state, I am offering myself once again to serve. I’m indeed running for the Lagos governorship race in 2027,” he said.
He dismissed speculations about other potential contenders, including Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, and former governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
“When it was time for me to truly leave, I came all out, and we took Lagos by storm,” he said.
Adediran commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as “progressive and visionary”.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven his capacity to lead this country with vision and courage.
“I call on Lagosians and Nigerians at large to ensure he gets a second term in 2027 so we can all continue to benefit from his progressive leadership,”
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying the country’s future holds brighter promises.
Also, there are indications that Ambode would contest the APC governorship ticket in 2027. Perhaps that indication was made clear recently at an event in Badargy during a sensitisation programme on Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration.
Speaking through the Director-General of the Tinubu-Ambo Support Group, Seyi Bamigbade, the former governor reiterated his intention to seek a return as governor of Lagos State, promising to build on past gains while addressing present realities.
He said President Tinubu had laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth and deserved a second term to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far.
“President Bola Tinubu has proven his capacity to lead this country with vision and courage.
“I call on Lagosians and Nigerians at large to ensure he gets a second term in 2027 so we can all continue to benefit from his progressive leadership,” Ambode said.
The event drew community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders who pledged support for both President Tinubu and Ambode ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, in the last one year, there are speculations that Seyi Tinubu was eyeing the Lagos APC governorship ticket.
Across the country and within Lagos many support groups have spring up to drum up support for Seyi’s candidacy in 2027.
Although the President’s son has not publicly spoken to admit or deny his interest, political watchers say he cannot be ruled out from the race.
Seyi, a lawyer and successful entrepreneur is seen by many people in the state as capable of transforming Lagos if given the opportunity.
Although there are those who have raised concern about his administrative experience, his supporters say, despite his youthful age he is experienced to govern Lagos State.
“Seyi Tinubu may look so young, but he’s of age and experience to govern Lagos State,” a source said.
Also, there is also the current senator from Lagos east, Abiru, who is a banker and financial titan-turned politician.
Abiru is widely respected for his dedication to his constitutional role, and for his impactful interventions in his senatorial zone.
Since his time as the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Abiru has distinguished himself in many ways. Many respect him for the wonderful contribution to his senatorial district since getting to the senate.
This is most especially in the areas of youth empowerment, infrastructure projects, women empowerment among others.
It was during his tenure, for example, that the state won international accolades for successfully floating an N80 billion bond. In the private sector where he operated before then, his expertise in financial management saw him rescue Skye Bank from the brink of collapse, transforming it into what is now Polaris Bank.
At a point during the Tinubu presidential transition in 2023, Abiru was mentioned as a possible nominee for Finance Minister – before the position eventually went to Wale Edun. Abiru’s supporters believe his expertise in financial management and governance makes him the ideal candidate to lead Lagos into a new era of growth and prosperity.
