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Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs Hamzat

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Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs Hamzat

Barely nine months to the governorship election in Lagos State, political activities have intensified as major aspirants begin early positioning for the seat of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor.

The emerging contest within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already attracting strong attention due to the perceived influence of President Bola Tinubu, whose political authority in Lagos continues to shape succession politics in the state.

As the political leader of Lagos APC and a former governor of the state, Tinubu is widely seen as the central figure whose decision or signal could determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship race. Reports circulating within political circles claim that Tinubu may have directed key party structures, including the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), to support Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as a possible consensus candidate. Although this has not been officially confirmed by the presidency or APC leadership, the claim has significantly reshaped political calculations and intensified lobbying across party blocs.

Within the APC, several political heavyweights are being mentioned as possible contenders, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and former PDP governorship candidate Dr. Olajide Adediran (Jandor). Other figures previously speculated to be interested in the race, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, as well as some federal officials earlier linked to the contest, are now reportedly less active in the race. Political stakeholders say consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations have already begun, with aspirants building alliances within party structures ahead of primaries.

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Despite widespread speculation, APC leadership in Lagos has maintained that no aspirant has been officially endorsed or anointed for the 2027 governorship election. The party recently completed internal restructuring, including the inauguration of ward and local government executives, as part of preparations for the general elections. The APC South-West leadership has also emphasized unity and internal cohesion as key priorities ahead of the 2027 polls.

Tension has grown within the APC as supporters of both Hamzat and Ambode continue to claim advantage based on perceived political signals from the presidency. Deputy Governor Hamzat, a two-term deputy to Governor Sanwo-Olu, is viewed as a strong continuity candidate with deep roots in the current administration. Ambode, who served as Lagos governor between 2015 and 2019, remains influential within Lagos politics despite his exit after one term in office. The competing interpretations of alleged endorsements have deepened internal divisions and triggered early political realignments within the party.

Adding to the political momentum, Ikeja Federal Constituency lawmaker James Faleke has openly declared support for Hamzat, urging APC members across Lagos to rally behind him ahead of the primaries. His endorsement is seen as a significant political development, given his strong grassroots influence within Lagos APC structures.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the Badagry Division are intensifying calls for power rotation under the “Badagry Ló Kàn” movement, insisting that the area deserves the next governorship slot. They argue that Badagry remains the only division among Lagos State’s five traditional administrative divisions yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation in 1967. Community leaders, youth groups, and traditional rulers have continued to rally behind Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose (SMA Gold) as a possible consensus candidate if zoning favours the region. They have also pledged strong electoral support for APC and Tinubu if their demand is accommodated in the final decision-making process.

Despite rising tensions, political analysts believe the 2027 Lagos governorship race will ultimately be determined by the influence and final signal of President Tinubu and the APC national leadership. As alignments continue and consultations intensify, Lagos politics is expected to remain highly competitive, with party unity, zoning, and loyalty emerging as key deciding factors in the months ahead.

Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs Hamzat

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Ogun 2027: Radio Interview that Triggered APC Move for Hunye’s Arrest, Prosecution 

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Ogun 2027: Radio Interview that Triggered APC Move for Hunye’s Arrest, Prosecution 

What Happened in Osun Will Be a Child’s Play in Ogun — Hunye

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has distanced itself from Abayomi Hunye and called for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly impersonating a governorship candidate of the party, following comments he made during a radio interview in which he vowed to challenge the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s 2027 governorship candidate.

Hunye, who described himself as an APC governorship aspirant, made the comments on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

During the programme, Hunye warned that the political crisis surrounding the APC’s 2027 governorship ticket could become far more intense than the recent political upheaval witnessed in Osun State.

“They saw what happened in Osun. What happened in Osun is going to be a child’s play to what is going to happen in Ogun State in 2027,” he said.

The comments appeared to have heightened the controversy surrounding the APC governorship ticket and prompted the party to disown Hunye, insisting that he had no authority to present himself as its governorship candidate.

The party maintains that Adeola is its duly nominated candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

Hunye, however, said he remained committed to his legal challenge against the outcome of the party’s governorship primary, arguing that the dispute was fundamentally about the integrity of the process and the right of party members to participate in a free and fair contest.

According to him, political grievances cannot simply be suppressed by imposing a preferred candidate on party members.

“What happened in Osun was the same thing. You cannot deprive people of their rights and want them to now keep quiet. They will not keep quiet,” he said.

Hunye also accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the APC leadership of imposing Adeola on other aspirants, challenging the party to subject the senator to a transparent primary if he was genuinely popular among party members.

“He imposed him on us. And you want to force us to obey it. If you agree that he is popular, let the primaries be free and fair. And if he wins the primary, everybody will agree,” Hunye said.

He maintained that his court action was not driven solely by personal ambition, but by what he described as the need to ensure that the APC’s candidate emerged through a credible and acceptable process.

Hunye further claimed that opposition to Adeola’s emergence extended beyond his camp, alleging that some members of Governor Abiodun’s cabinet were also unhappy with the development.

“Quite a number of people in Dapo Abiodun’s cabinet are with us. They are not happy. People are not happy,” he claimed.

The radio interview has since become central to the latest development in the dispute, with the APC using Hunye’s public statements and his self-description as an aspirant to reinforce its position that he has no mandate to speak or act as the party’s governorship candidate.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election, with the APC leadership seeking to consolidate support around Adeola while the internal dispute over the primary process continues to generate tension.

Hunye’s warning that the situation in Ogun could surpass the political crisis witnessed in Osun has also added a new dimension to the dispute, raising concerns about the possibility of further confrontation within the ruling party if the grievances of aggrieved aspirants and their supporters remain unresolved.

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APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

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APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

I’m ready to honour police invitation – Hunye

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Abayomi Hunye over his alleged impersonation as the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party also urged the security agencies to stop Hunye from further parading himself as its candidate, warning that his continued claim could mislead the public, undermine electoral integrity and potentially threaten public peace in the state.

The development followed Hunye’s recent declaration at an event in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where he reportedly presented himself as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election and unveiled Chief Abayomi Odunowo as his purported running mate.

The APC had on Monday publicly disowned Hunye, describing his claim as mischievous and insisting that he was not its governorship candidate.

In separate petitions dated August 24 and signed by the party’s Director of Administration, Ayoola Olajolo, the APC asked the police and DSS to urgently intervene in the matter.

In the petition to the Inspector-General of Police, the party described Hunye’s action as a “grave threat to public peace and electoral integrity,” alleging that he had been using both traditional and social media platforms to parade himself as the party’s candidate.

The APC stated: “The Subject has notoriously and unlawfully taken to the public domain, including print and social media, parading himself as the governorship candidate of our party for the forthcoming January 2027 election.

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“I wish to state unequivocally that this claim is false, fraudulent, and a deliberate act of impersonation designed to mislead the public and destabilise the peace of Ogun State.”

The party further alleged that Hunye had been suspended from the APC on April 7, 2026, following a petition from his Tube Ward in Ipokia Local Government Area.

According to the APC, the suspension was subsequently ratified by the Ogun State Working Committee and communicated to the party’s national headquarters.

The party also maintained that it had conducted its governorship primary election in the state and that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and Mrs Balogun Abiodun remained its recognised governorship candidate and running mate respectively.

Consequently, the APC asked the police to invite Hunye for questioning and investigate what it described as possible offences arising from his conduct.

The party specifically requested that the security agency investigate and prosecute him, where appropriate, for alleged impersonation, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and alleged violation of the Electoral Act, 2026.

It also urged the police to restrain Hunye from further presenting himself as the APC candidate in order to prevent what it described as a possible breakdown of law and order in Ogun State.

The party pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide additional statements or evidence that may be required.

Meanwhile, reports that Hunye had gone into hiding after security operatives allegedly visited his residence to deliver an invitation for questioning have been denied by the politician.

Hunye, while reacting to the development, dismissed the claim that he was on the run, insisting that he remained available and was prepared to honour invitations from the security agencies.

He questioned the basis for reports that he had evaded the operatives by jumping over his fence.

“Somebody was saying they came to my house and I jumped the fence. Why won’t I honour it? How can I be on the run?” Hunye asked.

He added that he would honour any invitation issued by the security agencies, noting that an invitation scheduled for September could not reasonably be interpreted as an indication that he was fleeing.

“If somebody invited me for September, I’ll be running now? The question is, have they visited my house?” he said.

Hunye further insisted, “I heard that they’re saying they came to my house and I jumped the fence. How can I be on the run? If I’m invited for September, I’ll definitely honour it.”

The dispute has added a fresh layer to the unfolding political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, with the APC now seeking the intervention of security agencies to settle what it considers a case of impersonation and potential threat to electoral order.

 

APC Petitions Police, DSS Over Ogun 2027 Governorship Claim, Seeks Hunye’s Arrest

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Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

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Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

Presidential candidate clarifies policy position after media aide’s interview sparks confusion, drawing clear line between proposed targeted intervention and old fuel subsidy regime.

The political landscape was thrown into a brief confusion on Tuesday when Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, appeared on African Independent Television (AIT) and suggested that his principal would restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027, but would gradually phase it out after the economy recovers. That statement, however, did not sit well with the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Hours later, Atiku Abubakar publicly disowned Ibe’s comments, stating unequivocally that his media aide was not speaking on his authority. Speaking while receiving the Osun State leadership of the ADC in Abuja, Atiku declared that one of his press aides had contradicted him in a policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned, and he wanted to repeat categorically that when he said he would return to subsidy, he would. He emphasised that Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens and made it clear that the aide was not speaking on his own authority.

Taking to his official X account, the former vice president doubled down on his commitment, framing it as a moral and economic imperative for a nation blessed with vast resources. He declared that on the question of subsidy, his position had not changed and would not change, insisting that he would restore it and that a nation as blessed as Nigeria has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship. He argued that Nigeria is rich enough to look after her own. He linked the fuel subsidy debate directly to the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians, describing the chain reaction triggered by high energy costs. He stated that he believes the wealth of a nation is not measured by how much government collects, but by how much the money in the pockets of its people can buy. He expressed his desire for wages to have value again, for farmers to move produce without transport swallowing their profits, for families to fill their baskets without emptying their pockets, and for businesses to produce, employ and prosper. He added that when fuel rises, transport rises; when transport rises, food rises; and when food rises, families suffer, and he vowed to break that wretched chain that has defined the national life in the nearly four years of Tinubu’s presidency.

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While the headline-grabbing statement from Atiku was a firm “I will restore subsidy,” his campaign team quickly moved to provide critical context to prevent what they described as “unauthorised, imprecise and materially misleading” interpretations of his policy. In a statement, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, explained that the candidate is not proposing a return to the old, opaque import-subsidy system that was abolished by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. Instead, Atiku advocates for a “targeted, capped, transparently budgeted and independently audited subsidy” designed to support domestic refining and production. Shaibu stressed that for the avoidance of doubt, policy belongs to the candidate, not the spokesperson, and that their responsibility as communicators is to explain Atiku’s position accurately, not create formulations capable of confusing Nigerians or handing opponents convenient talking points. To drive the point home, Shaibu employed an analogy, stating that you do not remove scaffolding because the calendar says so; you remove it when the building can stand securely on its own. This suggests that t

he subsidy intervention under an Atiku administration would be phased out gradually based on concrete economic indicators—such as expanded domestic refining capacity, stable fuel supply, and improved market competition—rather than an arbitrary date. Atiku himself reinforced this distinction by declaring that he would not restore the import racket but would restore relief.

This incident has reignited the fuel subsidy debate, placing it at the centre of the 2027 presidential election campaign. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to abolish petrol subsidy at his inauguration on May 29, 2023, triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and contributed to a broader cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria. Atiku’s camp argues that the current administration’s reforms, including the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, have transferred the burden of economic shock to households and businesses. They are positioning the 2027 election as a choice between what they term “Expensive Nigeria versus Affordable Nigeria.” The ADC presidential candidate argues that Nigerians have not benefited sufficiently from the savings associated with the subsidy removal and that the government has failed to provide adequate palliatives to cushion the impact.

The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. While Atiku’s camp frames the policy as a pragmatic approach to easing hardship and boosting local production, critics have accused

him of proposing a retrogressive policy. The Presidency has previously criticised the proposal, arguing that returning to any form of subsidy could undermine local refining, threaten jobs, and increase foreign exchange losses. The debate is expected to intensify as the 2027 election draws nearer, with both sides seeking to define the economic narrative.

To cut through the confusion, here is a clear breakdown of what Atiku Abubakar is actually proposing regarding his subsidy policy as clarified by his campaign. First, it is not a return to the old system, meaning the proposed intervention is not the previous import-subsidy regime that was fraught with corruption and leakages. Second, it is targeted at domestic production, so the subsidy will be designed to support local refining capacity, ensuring that crude oil is processed within Nigeria. Third, it will be capped, transparent, and audited, meaning the new model will have clear financial limits, public transparency, and independent audits to prevent abuse. Fourth, it will feature a performance-based phase-out, so the withdrawal of the subsidy will be tied to measurable improvements in the economy, domestic refining, and market stability, not a fixed timeline.

 

Atiku Disowns Aide, Vows to Restore Subsidy — But With a Crucial Difference

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