With less than a year to the 2027 governorship election, the race to succeed Babajide Sanwo Olu is gathering momentum, as political heavyweights position themselves across party lines.
At the centre of the unfolding contest is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose influence in Lagos politics continues to shape the direction of succession in the state he governed between 1999 and 2007.
Reports suggest that Tinubu has directed leaders of the All Progressives Congress and the Governor’s Advisory Council led by Tajudeen Olusi to support Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as a potential successor.
Among the leading contenders within the APC are Hamzat, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and Olajide Adediran, alongside Seyi Tinubu. Meanwhile, key figures such as Femi Gbajabiamila, Tunji Alausa, and Hakeem Muri Okunola are reportedly no longer in the race.
Despite speculation, the Lagos APC leadership insists that no aspirant has been officially endorsed. However, Tinubu’s recent visit to Lagos has intensified political intrigue, with many observers viewing it as a decisive moment that could shape the contest.
Support for Hamzat has continued to grow, with James Faleke publicly backing his candidacy and urging party loyalists to rally behind him ahead of the primaries.
At the same time, stakeholders in the Badagry division are pushing for power rotation under the “Badagry Lo Kan” campaign, arguing that the area has never produced a governor since Lagos State’s creation in 1967. Traditional leaders, including Olalekan Sejiro, and elder statesman Andu Liadi Adio have called on party leadership to consider candidates from the region, with Samuel Mawuyon Ajose emerging as a preferred choice.
As political alignments continue to shift, analysts believe the eventual outcome of the race will largely depend on signals from Tinubu, whose endorsement could निर्णately tilt the balance in what is shaping up to be a high stakes contest.
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