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

2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party

A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) in Oyo State, Chief Saheed Oladele, has resigned from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as limited opportunities for youth participation in decision-making.

Oladele, who hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, announced his resignation on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, confirming that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Ibadan North LGA.

In his resignation letter, Oladele said his decision followed deep reflection on his political journey within the party, noting that he had remained committed since its formation and had actively contributed to its growth at various levels.

He stated that his aspiration to contest the governorship election under the APC platform was driven not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to promote unity and strengthen internal structures within the party.

Oladele, however, lamented that recent developments within the Oyo APC suggest that young politicians are not being adequately included in key decision-making processes. He argued that the party, at the state level, appears more inclined to use young people for mobilisation without granting them meaningful influence in leadership decisions.

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“My journey within the party has been one of commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication,” he wrote, adding that he had worked to build bridges among stakeholders and promote cohesion within the party.

He further stated that “recent developments and party positions” made it clear that the APC in Oyo State was “not yet prepared to give young people a seat at the decision-making table,” describing the situation as inconsistent with his political values and vision for the state.

Oladele also said he intends to reposition himself as a bridge between older and younger generations in politics, suggesting that his future political engagement would focus on inclusivity and youth empowerment.

His resignation comes just days after another APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Kunle Olatunji of Ona Ara Local Government Area, also left the party to join the Action Democratic Congress (Action Democratic Congress), further highlighting growing internal tensions within the party ahead of 2027.

Party officials of the APC in Oyo State have yet to issue an official response to Oladele’s resignation as of the time of filing this report.

The development adds to increasing political realignments in the state as aspirants and stakeholders position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 governorship race.

2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party

Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, has openly declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as a potential successor in the 2027 governorship race.

Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency, described Hamzat as the most suitable candidate to lead Lagos State after the current administration, calling on party members to rally behind him ahead of upcoming primaries.

The lawmaker made his position known in a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he urged APC stakeholders across Lagos to unite in support of Hamzat as political activities begin to intensify within the ruling party.

His endorsement comes as internal consultations and early alignments gain momentum within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with key figures increasingly signaling preferred candidates.

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In his post, Faleke wrote:
“Good evening all. As we prepare for party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035, IJN.”

Political observers say the endorsement is significant, given Faleke’s long-standing influence within the APC and his close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political leader of Lagos politics.

Hamzat, who currently serves as deputy governor, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced figures in Lagos governance, having worked across different administrative structures over the years.

His growing political visibility has fueled speculation about succession planning within Lagos APC, where continuity and internal consensus often play key roles in determining gubernatorial candidates.

Analysts note that early endorsements such as Faleke’s may shape internal party dynamics ahead of primaries, especially in a politically strategic state like Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

As of now, neither the Lagos State Government nor the APC leadership has issued an official response to Faleke’s endorsement.

Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin