As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify in Lagos State, political alignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are beginning to take clearer shape. One development drawing growing attention is the renewed relevance of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, whose name has resurfaced prominently in behind-the-scenes calculations ahead of the next governorship contest.
Insiders say influential party leaders are weighing a strategy that would delay any governorship ambition by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, until 2031. The plan, according to sources, is aimed at managing internal party balance, calming regional grievances, and positioning the APC more competitively in what is expected to be one of Lagos’ most hotly contested elections in recent times.
The 2027 race is already shaping up as a crowded and complex battle, marked by the emergence of strong aspirants, shifting power blocs, and an electorate that has become more assertive following recent electoral outcomes in the state.
Seyi Tinubu has, in recent months, gained visibility as a potential contender for the governorship. Youth organisations, diaspora groups, and civic platforms—including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and The Future Platform—have openly encouraged him to step into the race, portraying him as a bridge between older political structures and younger voters. Despite this growing public enthusiasm, Seyi has not formally declared his intention to run, nor has President Tinubu offered any public endorsement of such a bid.
This uncertainty has reportedly placed the Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—the influential decision-making body within Lagos APC—under pressure as it plans for leadership succession after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu completes his constitutionally allowed second term in 2027. The GAC, chaired by Prince Tajudeen Olusi and comprising about 30 senior party figures, is said to be considering a scenario that would see Ambode return to office to complete a second term.
Such a move would not only reopen the political chapter closed in 2019—when Ambode lost the APC ticket after falling out with party leaders—but also effectively postpone Seyi Tinubu’s entry into the governorship race until 2031. Supporters of this approach argue that it would restore internal party harmony and offer a more orderly transition for the next generation of leadership.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, party leaders believe Ambode’s return could help stabilise the political environment while giving Seyi Tinubu time to consolidate his base. The source noted that Seyi had previously been advised to downplay any governorship ambition and instead focus on mobilising youth support for his father’s second-term presidential campaign in 2023.
“The leadership felt his ambition could become a distraction at a sensitive time, especially with the level of opposition the government was facing,” said Segun Badejo, an APC chieftain in Gbagada. That counsel is believed to have contributed to Seyi’s continued silence on the matter.
At the same time, regional sentiments are playing an increasingly important role in the calculations. In Epe, Ambode’s home area, there is lingering resentment over his removal from office after just one term. Stakeholders from the zone argue that Epe has been unfairly treated, especially when compared with Lagos Island, which has produced governors—Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu—who all served two full terms.
Although President Tinubu later appointed Tunji Alausa, another Epe indigene, as Minister of Health and subsequently Minister of Education, many in the area insist that the governorship slot should return to their district in 2027. Some party stakeholders believe either Ambode or Alausa would best address these long-standing grievances.
An APC leader in Ogba, Ikeja, said agitation from Epe should not be ignored, warning that continued marginalisation could weaken party unity. “The people want closure. They want the chance to complete what was interrupted,” he said.
Party insiders maintain that the proposed delay of Seyi Tinubu’s ambition is not intended to edge him out but to protect his political future. They argue that a 2027 bid could spark public backlash, particularly concerns over political dynasty, at a time when the party is still rebuilding trust after its 2023 setback in Lagos.
“There is a fear of repeating the mistakes of the last election,” a source explained. “Right now, the thinking is that Ambode or Alausa stands a better chance of holding the party together in 2027, while Seyi focuses on youth mobilisation and prepares for a stronger entry in 2031.”
Meanwhile, the field of potential aspirants continues to widen. Names being mentioned include Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; and Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor.
A community leader, Olumide Balogun, echoed the call for regional balance, saying Lagos politics should no longer be dominated by a few areas. “Epe deserves to be heard. Either Ambode or Tunji Alausa should be given the opportunity to lead,” he said.
Political analyst Edafe Oghenebrume added another layer to the debate, warning that overlooking Lagos West Senatorial District in the party’s calculations could be risky. He noted that since 1999, the district has not produced a governor, a situation that could trigger electoral pushback if not addressed.
So far, only Jandor has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship. Speaking on Channels Television, he said Lagos needs a new direction that blends experience with fresh ideas. Confident of victory with party and presidential backing, he described the race as one he is well-positioned to win.
As 2027 draws closer, it is clear that Lagos APC faces delicate choices—balancing ambition, regional equity, public perception, and party survival—in a contest that could redefine the state’s political future.
0 Comments