APC zoning talks has intensified as Ambode, Abiru, and Gbajabiamila among others has emerged as possible contenders in 2027 Lagos Governorship race.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos are gradually gaining momentum as permutations within the ruling All Progressives Congress begin to take shape.
The early political manoeuvres were triggered by a directive from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating political appointees with ambitions for elective offices to resign on or before March 31.
The directive has sparked increased consultations, lobbying, and strategic alignments among political actors in the state, with party insiders and observers speculating about potential zoning arrangements for the governorship ticket.
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Many political watchers believe the emerging dynamics within the APC may favour zoning the governorship ticket to the Lagos East Senatorial District.
This possibility has prompted several prominent political figures from the district to intensify consultations regarding the party’s ticket.
Among those frequently mentioned in political circles are former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the senator representing Lagos East Adetokunbo Abiru, the Minister of State for Health Tunji Alausa, and a member of the House of Representatives Jimi Benson.
Other names mentioned in political discussions include Hakeem Muri-Okunola and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila.
Although party sources insist that consultations are still ongoing and that no official decision has been taken on zoning, indications suggest that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, may also play a strategic role in the unfolding political calculations.
Observers speculate that Obasa could be positioned to represent Lagos West Senatorial District in the Senate as part of a broader power-sharing arrangement within the party.
Push for Deputy Governorship Slot
Attention has also shifted to the deputy governorship position, which political watchers believe may be zoned to Lagos West as part of a political balancing formula across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The possibility has triggered intense lobbying across the district, particularly within the Badagry division and other political blocs, where stakeholders are reportedly engaging in consultations to secure the slot.
Party insiders say political leaders from the district argue that Lagos West, the most populous and politically expansive senatorial zone in the state, deserves greater representation in the state’s executive leadership.
Several figures have been mentioned in connection with the deputy governorship position, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, former Oriade Local Government chairman Ramota Hassan-Ijaiye, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Lanre Sanusi, and former Amuwo-Odofin chairman Ayodele Adewale.
Other names circulating within party discussions include Samuel Ajose and Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran.
Within the Badagry division, stakeholders have also spotlighted Prince Wale Oluwa, whose name is reportedly gaining traction in consultations among party leaders.
Key Factors That May Influence the Race
Political analysts say several factors are likely to shape the APC’s final decisions on both the governorship and deputy governorship tickets.
These include religious balancing, generational considerations, and the recurring debate about indigenous representation within Lagos’ political leadership.
Some stakeholders are reportedly advocating for a Muslim candidate to succeed the incumbent governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is a Christian.
There are also growing calls among certain political blocs for greater inclusion of Lagos indigenes in the state’s top leadership positions.
Another emerging permutation suggests a possible arrangement where Lagos East produces the governor, Lagos Central produces the deputy governor, while Lagos West retains the position of Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
As consultations continue within party structures and political camps, analysts say the coming months are likely to witness intensified alignments and realignments as aspirants position themselves ahead of the APC’s eventual decision on zoning and candidates for the 2027 Lagos governorship race.
