As political parties gear up for the 2027 general elections, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a complex task of selecting a likely successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
THE WHISTLER gathered that at least 10 aspirants are eyeing the party’s governorship ticket. Key names include Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Tayo Ayinde, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, PDP 2023 candidate Olajide Adediran (Jandor), and property developer Samuel Ajose.
Insiders say the party may adopt a consensus approach, weighing factors such as popularity, electoral strength, geography, and indigeneship. Reports suggest Hamzat, a member of a notable Lagos political family, is a leading contender, though questions around his Ogun State ancestry could complicate his bid.
Meanwhile, Lagos indigenes and Badagry monarchs are demanding that the governorship ticket be reserved for qualified local candidates. They emphasise fairness, equity, and inclusiveness, noting that Badagry is the only historical division in Lagos yet to produce a governor under both military and civilian rule.
State APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi maintained that no candidate has been anointed, affirming that the party will conduct direct primaries as its primary mode of candidate selection while allowing consensus arrangements where feasible.
As the APC navigates internal dynamics, indigeneship debates, and geographic considerations, the choice of Lagos State’s governorship candidate for 2027 will hinge not only on party loyalty but also on identity, equity, and regional representation.
