As the 2027 governorship race in Lagos State begins to take shape, political stakeholders and interest groups across the state are rallying behind potential successors to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The growing list of possible aspirants reflects both political ambition and regional demands for equitable power distribution.
Among the most talked-about names is Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Sources indicate that a silent campaign led by Nollywood actor and lawmaker Desmond Elliot is already pushing for Gbajabiamila to emerge as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Supporters cite his extensive legislative career and recent executive role as assets. “Gbajabiamila’s experience is what Lagos needs now,” said Famous Oloyede, an APC chieftain in Surulere. However, some within the party believe his age, he’ll be 64 in 2027, may be a drawback, arguing the state requires a younger, more energetic leader.
Regional dynamics are also at play. Lagos is divided into five administrative zones, which are Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe (collectively known as IBILE). Critics note that recent governors, including Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu, have all hailed from either Lagos Island or Epe, fueling calls for greater inclusivity.
Stakeholders from Epe are pushing for a political comeback following the abrupt end to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure. Many in the region are now backing Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa who’s is the current Minister of Education, as a viable candidate. “Ambode wasn’t allowed a second term; Epe deserves another chance,” said Olugbede Adekalu, an APC member.
Another figure drawing attention is Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa. Though he has not officially declared interest, his recent comments have been interpreted as a veiled indication of ambition. “Becoming governor is not something I’ve focused on, but I’m certainly not too young or inexperienced,” he remarked during a public event.
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is also rumored to be a potential contender. Although he has not expressed formal interest, diaspora groups are reportedly lobbying for his candidacy. The growing speculation has placed the APC’s Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in a delicate position, as the President remains silent on the matter.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu stakeholders are increasingly vocal about what they see as long-standing marginalization. Although the current Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, is from the division, many argue that Ikorodu deserves the governorship. Names like Rep. Babajimi Benson and Hamzat himself are being floated, with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also mentioned as a potential deputy governor if the top slot goes elsewhere.
“Abiodun Ogunleye’s 14-day stint as deputy governor in 2007 doesn’t count as real representation,” said a party member from Ogolonto, Ikorodu. “Ikorodu deserves a meaningful role in leadership.”
The call for regional balance also echoes in Badagry, which has never produced a governor. “It’s time for Badagry to take the reins,” said another party insider.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, who represents Lagos East (which includes Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Somolu), is also quietly gaining traction as a consensus candidate who could bridge several regional interests.
With no clear frontrunner yet and multiple zones asserting their claims, the 2027 Lagos governorship election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state’s political history.
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