The battle to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 is gathering steam, as key political actors and grassroots movements across Lagos State begin to throw their weight behind potential candidates.
At the forefront of the emerging race is Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila’s name is gaining traction within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with popular Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, reportedly championing a quiet campaign to position him as the party’s next gubernatorial flagbearer.
Proponents of Gbajabiamila highlight his extensive legislative record and current executive role as proof of his readiness to lead Nigeria’s commercial capital. “Gbajabiamila is not just a seasoned legislator. Now, as Chief of Staff to the President, he brings executive experience to the table. That’s the kind of leadership Lagos needs,” said Famous Oloyede, an APC chieftain from Surulere.
However, concerns around his age and regional balance are also emerging. By 2027, Gbajabiamila will be 64—an age some stakeholders argue may be a disadvantage in a fast-paced state like Lagos.
Lagos State’s political structure is divided into five administrative districts under the acronym IBILE: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Interestingly, the last four governors of Lagos—Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu—have all hailed from either Lagos Island or Epe, prompting calls for power rotation.
The Epe division, which produced former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, is reportedly lobbying for a comeback, citing alleged marginalisation following Ambode’s fallout with the APC hierarchy. Prominent among the new names from Epe is Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, current Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, seen by many as a steady and competent figure. “Ambode was denied a second term. That injustice must be corrected. Epe deserves another shot,” said Olugbede Adekalu, a prominent APC member.
Also surfacing in political conversations is Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Though yet to declare formally, Obasa’s recent comment at a public function hinted at interest. “Becoming governor is secondary, but that doesn’t mean I’m too young or inexperienced,” he said, in what observers interpret as a calculated message.
The name of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has also popped up in party discussions. While Seyi has not expressed interest publicly, several diaspora groups are reportedly lobbying for his candidacy—placing the APC’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in a delicate position as the President himself has remained silent on the matter.
Stakeholders from Ikorodu, one of the most populous divisions, argue that their district has long been sidelined. Despite the current Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat being from Ikorodu, calls are intensifying for either Hamzat or Rep. Babajimi Benson to emerge as the next governor. “If Ikorodu doesn’t get the governorship, we are lobbying for Abike Dabiri-Erewa as deputy,” a party source disclosed. Dabiri-Erewa currently chairs the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Some party loyalists also reject the argument that Abiodun Ogunleye’s 14-day stint as deputy governor in 2007 counts as adequate representation for Ikorodu. “It was purely symbolic. You can’t call that power-sharing,” a source from Ogolonto said.
Meanwhile, voices from Badagry, which has never produced a governor since 1999, are demanding their turn. “Power should shift to Badagry now,” one APC leader stated. “We’ve waited long enough.”
Within the Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Tokunbo Abiru is quietly building momentum. Representing a region that includes Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Kosofe, and Somolu, Abiru is seen as a bridge candidate with broad appeal.
With no clear frontrunner and multiple zones vying for the seat, political analysts believe the 2027 governorship race will be one of the most hotly contested in Lagos history. For now, all eyes are on the APC leadership, especially the GAC, as they navigate zoning pressures, power blocs, and the growing list of aspirants in the buildup to the next election.
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