2027: Zoning talks, aspirants intensify as Lagos APC governorship primary race gathers steam

Political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State are gradually gaining momentum following a directive by President Bola Tinubu mandating political appointees with aspirations for elective offices to resign on or before March 31.

The directive has heightened political consultations, alignments and permutations across the state, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as party stakeholders weigh zoning arrangements and likely contenders for the party’s governorship ticket.

Observers say emerging dynamics within the APC suggest that the governorship ticket may likely be zoned to Lagos East Senatorial District, a development that has prompted several prominent figures from the axis to step up consultations.

Among those frequently mentioned in political circles are former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; the senator representing Lagos East, Adetokunbo Abiru; Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa; and a member of the House of Representatives, Jimi Benson.

Other names being speculated include Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Secretary to the President, and Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Although party sources insist that consultations are ongoing and that no official pronouncement has been made on zoning, there are indications that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, may feature prominently in unfolding permutations.

He is reportedly being considered for a possible senatorial bid in Lagos West as part of a broader power-sharing arrangement within the party.

Attention has also shifted to the deputy governorship slot, with strong indications that it may be zoned to Lagos West Senatorial District to ensure political balance.

This possibility has triggered intense lobbying within the axis, particularly in the Badagry division and other blocs, where stakeholders are said to be engaging in strategic consultations.

Party insiders argue that Lagos West, being the largest and most politically expansive senatorial district in the state, deserves greater representation in the state’s top executive leadership.

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The agitation is said to have drawn the involvement of influential APC blocs, including the Justice Forum and the Mandate political structures, both of which have historically played decisive roles in the emergence of deputy governors in the state.

Names being mentioned for the deputy governorship position include Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; former Oriade Local Government chairman, Ramota Hassan-Ijaiye; Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun; Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi; former Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Chairman, Ayodele Adewale, popularly known as “Lord Mayor”; Samuel Ajose (SMA); and Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran.

Within the Badagry division, political discussions have also spotlighted Prince Wale Oluwa, a technocrat whose name, party sources say, is gaining traction in ongoing consultations.

Stakeholders from the division argue that Badagry has historically contributed significantly to the party’s electoral fortunes and deserves strategic consideration in the emerging equation.

Meanwhile, another school of thought within the political establishment suggests that Adeniran and Ajose may also be under consideration for possible federal appointments outside the state.

Political analysts note that several factors are likely to influence the eventual choices for both the governorship and deputy governorship tickets. These include religious balancing, generational considerations and renewed agitation for greater indigenous representation in the state’s leadership.

From a religious standpoint, some stakeholders are said to favour a Muslim candidate to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is a Christian. At the same time, debates around indigenous representation have resurfaced strongly, with some political blocs advocating broader inclusion of Lagos indigenes in key executive positions.

Another permutation gaining traction suggests a possible arrangement where Lagos East produces the governor, Lagos Central the deputy governor and Lagos West the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.