Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State remains firmly in office with 30 months remaining in his term.
But the political scene is already lively, with ambitious candidates beginning their campaigns for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Both the ruling and opposition parties are laying the groundwork and key players are gearing up for the Arausa Roundhouse.
APC front line applicants
In the All Progressives Congress (APC), strong players have lined up for the chance to lead Lagos. The rumored list of aspirants includes Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu. Honmudashir Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. and Senator Abiru Tokubo.
The decision on APC candidates is expected to be influenced by factors such as religion, zoning, indigeneity, and support from influential stakeholders such as the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and President Tinubu himself.
Emerging politician Seyi Tinubu has received support from various groups, with Speaker Obasa declaring that he is capable of governing the state citing his extensive legislative experience. Former Governor Ambode has also been in the spotlight, with some party members arguing for his return to balance the 16-year cycle of religious leaders between Christians and Muslims.
opposition parties prepare
On the other hand, the opposition parties are not following suit. Abdulaziz Olajide Adiran (Jandole) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gbadebo Rose-Bivour of the Labor Party (LP) are reportedly preparing to renew their ambitions.
Both figures had a noticeable impact during the 2023 election, and the party is currently working to realign its organization to improve its chances of winning in 2027.
Jandole, who spearheads the Lagos4Lagos movement, continues to gain support among founding members of the PDP, while Rhodes Viveur remains a popular figure among young voters in Lagos, especially in the city centre.
Religious dynamics in focus
Religion is set to play an important role in deciding the next Lagos governor. Sanwo-Olu, a Christian, will replace Akinwunmi Ambode, also a Christian, bringing the total term of office for Christian leaders to 12 years by 2027. Some stakeholders argue that it is time to return power to Muslim candidates to maintain balance, while others argue that the terms of office of Muslims Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola are comparable. He insists on completing a 16-year cycle of Christian leadership.
Sanwo-Olu’s journey and power dynamics
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emergence in 2019 marked a turning point in Lagos politics. The incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, was ousted by the APC faction bloc led by Bola Tinubu, paving the way for Sanwo-Olu to run as a unanimous choice.
His second term ambitions initially faced difficulties, with other candidates currently being considered, including Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, and Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the head of Lagos services. There were also rumors that the company was facing some difficulties at first.
However, the public support of Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola and widespread support from party members solidified Sanwo-Olu’s position and ensured his re-election.
Some APC chieftains were of the opinion that Tinubu was a master planner and could always bring surprises.
Lagos Deputy Governor Babafemi Hamzat has also emerged as having plans to succeed Sanwo-Olu, but a source told Vanguard that the internal caucus will claim the Lagos East Senate seat and secure the seat. He said there are plans to relocate him to Epee for this purpose. What should be Akinwumi Ambode’s card.
Obasa’s resilience and ambition
My lord. Mudashiru Obasa, the longest-serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is also an important figure to watch. During the presentation of the 2025 budget, Mr. Obasa addressed speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions. While emphasizing his efforts to strengthen the APC, he did not rule out the possibility of running for office.
“Being governor is secondary,” Obasa said. “But I am neither too young nor inexperienced as a leader. My focus remains on building the party and ensuring that governance of the state continues to thrive.”
Mr. Obasa’s grassroots connections and influence within the Mandate Group, an influential faction in Lagos APC politics, make him a formidable candidate.
opposition party reorganization
In the PDP, Mr. Jandole is seeking to strengthen ties with party heavyweights and align his Lagos4Lagos movement with broader PDP interests. Similarly, Rhodes-Bibourg, who received significant support in the 2023 election, is using that popularity to establish himself as a strong candidate.
The road ahead
As the race for the 2027 Lagos governorship election intensifies, all eyes are on the final candidate of the APC. The decision will likely depend on intraparty dynamics, religious considerations, and support from key figures, including President Tinubu. For opposition parties, unity and strategic alliances will be critical to countering APC dominance.
