With less than 10 months to the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, political activity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is gradually gaining momentum as aspirants begin positioning themselves to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The growing interest follows the release of a revised timetable for the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Under the updated schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes, between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Within the APC, several prominent figures have been linked to the race, with quiet consultations and alliance-building already underway. Among those mentioned are former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; and former Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Others said to be weighing their chances include Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos4Lagos Movement leader, Olajide Adediran; and Seyi Tinubu.
Among the aspirants, Hamzat is widely regarded as a leading contender. Sources within the Presidency indicate that he enjoys considerable goodwill from President Bola Tinubu, stemming from longstanding political ties. If he secures the party’s ticket and goes on to win the election, he would become the first deputy governor in Lagos State to ascend directly to the governorship.
Gbajabiamila is also seen as a strong contender, with a solid political structure and extensive grassroots network, even as he maintains a relatively low profile regarding his ambition.
Seyi Tinubu, though yet to formally declare, is believed to be building support at the grassroots level. Party insiders suggest he has the backing of influential stakeholders, including members of the Governors’ Advisory Council.
Meanwhile, Alausa is said to be consulting widely, leveraging his experience in federal service, while Adediran has openly declared his intention to contest the governorship seat.
Support groups have also begun mobilising for Muri-Okunola, pointing to his administrative experience and track record in public service as key advantages.
Despite being the incumbent, Sanwo-Olu is not expected to play a decisive role in the succession process. Political observers believe the influence of President Tinubu will be pivotal in determining who emerges as the APC’s candidate, given his longstanding dominance in Lagos politics.
Sources within the party indicate that his eventual position could significantly shape the outcome of the primaries, particularly in a political environment where loyalty, structure and strategic alignment remain critical.
Analysts note that the contest is still fluid, with aspirants carefully managing alliances and avoiding early missteps. The situation has drawn comparisons to the 2007 transition that produced former governor Babatunde Fashola, who emerged as a relatively unexpected choice at the time.
Observers say the 2027 governorship race will serve as a defining moment for President Tinubu, as he weighs the choice between technocratic competence and political loyalty within the party.
For now, the race remains open, with aspirants making calculated moves behind the scenes while party members and stakeholders await clearer signals on who will eventually fly the party’s flag.
APC Aspirants Intensify Quiet Jostle for Lagos Governorship Ahead of 2027 Polls
