Lagos 2027: Political jostling heats up as power rotation shapes battle to succeed Sanwo-Olu

The race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election is already gathering significant momentum, more than two years before the polls.

A broad coalition of political stakeholders, party faithful, and grassroots mobilisers across the state have begun covert and overt campaigns to position their preferred aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.

At the center of early speculations is Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His name is generating intense political buzz, with a wave of quiet endorsements reportedly being coordinated by Nollywood star and Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot, who is said to be spearheading a silent push for Gbajabiamila’s candidacy.

“Gbajabiamila is not just a seasoned legislator. Now as Chief of Staff to the President, he has added executive experience. That’s the kind of leadership Lagos needs,” said Famous Oloyede, an APC chieftain in Surulere.

However, not all party members are convinced. Critics argue that Gbajabiamila, who will be 64 by 2027, may not be the ideal fit for a state as dynamic as Lagos.

Others suggest the seat should rotate to other administrative zones under the state’s IBILE structure: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe.

For many political actors, the issue of regional power rotation has become central to the 2027 debate.

Since 1999, all Lagos governors—Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu—have hailed from either Lagos Island or Epe, reinforcing a growing sense of marginalisation in other zones.

Epe, which produced Akinwunmi Ambode, is now rallying behind Dr. Tunji Alausa, the current Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Alausa, seen as competent and loyal, is viewed by many in Epe as the best hope to restore the region’s influence, particularly after Ambode’s abrupt political downfall in 2019.

“Ambode was not allowed to complete his second term. Unlike his predecessors, he was cut off. That’s not justice,” argued Olugbede Adekalu, an APC leader from Epe.

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In Ikorodu, the agitation is equally strong. Although the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, hails from the division, many stakeholders claim the region has never truly produced a governor.

 Two frontrunners gaining traction are Rep. Babajimi Benson and Hamzat himself. In a scenario where neither secures the ticket, some insiders are pushing for Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, to be considered for the deputy governorship slot.

“Ogunleye’s 14-day stint as deputy governor in 2007 was a token. It doesn’t count as genuine representation,” said a party member from Ogolonto, Ikorodu.

Calls are also mounting for Badagry, one of the state’s oldest divisions, to finally take its turn. “Since 1999, Badagry has not produced a governor or deputy. That’s exclusion,” said a senior APC member from Ojo.

Another name gaining quiet traction is Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. While he has not officially declared interest, his recent remarks at a public engagement suggested growing openness to the idea.

“Becoming governor is secondary… but that does not mean I’m too young or inexperienced. Those who came before me are not necessarily better,” Obasa said, hinting at his readiness if called upon.

Similarly, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, is being touted in some quarters. His district spans politically significant LGAs, including Epe, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Somolu. With his financial background and quiet appeal, Abiru could emerge as a consensus candidate if zoning talks align in his favor.

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Unconfirmed reports also suggest growing interest in Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Though he has made no public declaration, several diaspora groups and youth blocs are believed to be rallying support behind him. The silence of President Tinubu amid the rising speculation has left the APC’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in a tight spot.

“This is delicate. The President’s son is involved, but the GAC must weigh merit, zoning, and party unity,” a party strategist explained.

With no clear frontrunner and regional interests strongly asserting themselves, the Lagos 2027 governorship race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and politically charged contests in recent history.

The delicate balancing of party loyalty, zoning equity, generational shift, and national influence will test the APC’s internal cohesion like never before.