Lagos 2027: APC Succession War Intensifies as Tinubu Reportedly Backs 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