The 2027 governorship race in Lagos State, is expected to be highly competitive, particularly among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who feel that it is their turn to run in the upcoming election. It is generally believed that once a candidate secures the APC party ticket for the governorship, they are already halfway to becoming the state governor, based on historical trends; since 1999, that no other political party has produced a governor in Lagos except the APC.
Several names have been circulating on social media, as potential successors to Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2027. One of them is the son of the president, Seyi Tinubu. His name has been mentioned on several platforms as a possible successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. There have been several groups and individuals rooting for him already as a possible candidate. Just recently, a Southern youth movement endorsed him and gave him the go-ahead to fight for the number one position in Lagos State. The statement reads in parts, “We Southern Youth Movement, SYM, hereby call on Engr. Seyi Tinubu, to contest the forthcoming 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
“Seyi Tinubu is qualified to be a governor in all ramifications. Age-wise, he is eligible to contest the governorship seat with every requirement from the constitution. “Seyi is eligible, and the most important thing is that he is a Lagosian. So we, the youths of the Southern Youth Movement, are going around all the Southern States to make sure that the youths take over the affairs of governance across the Southern states.
Will he (Seyi Tinubu) be considered ? Knowing fully that the final decision lies with the president? Well, some political analysts are saying he could be asked to vie for other offices or wait since he still has a lot of time ahead of him.
Another person might also be considered Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola. His name comes up each time the issue is being discussed. He’s been tipped as far back as over 10 years ago.
Mr Muri Okunola, will remain one of the strong contenders for the No. 1 seat in Lagos for different reasons. First, he shares a very good bond with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is believed to have the final say as regards Lagos politics in general. Mr Muri Okunola, has been a very humble and loyal party member for a very long time. But even if he is not considered now, many people still believe he has a lot of time ahead of him. He can even be deployed to fill up other juicy posts pending till he is considered in the future.
What about the current Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu? Mr Tayo Akinmade Ayinde has also been mentioned as a good replacement for Gov. Sanwo-Olu. Mr Tayo has been part of the government for many decades before now. He was at a time rumoured to be vying for the No. 1 seat before he was told to step down. He has been a loyal member of the party, especially in Lagos politics. Although he’s a very loyal servant who has served in the previous governments and he is loved by party members. However, if he is not given the nod, there are other juicy position he can be given.
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru: He is currently the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, after about 32 years of corporate experience (of which 29 years were spent in the banking industry).
He is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, as well as the Chairman of the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum in the National Assembly. He was also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries in the 9th National Assembly.
A lot has been said about him succeeding Mr Sanwoolu in 2027, but he’s a very private and quiet man who has refused to comment on the debate so far.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila
Several names have been mentioned regarding who should succeed the current governor in Lagos, but one name stands out: the current Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Why has he emerged as the frontrunner among all the other names mentioned?
A few days ago, while addressing a group of APC members regarding the impeachment of former Speaker Obasa, Hon. Gbajabiamila stated that he has reached the apex of politics at the national level. He mentioned that he doesn’t feel suited for any other office nationally, given his previous role as the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and now the Chief of Staff. He implied that the only logical step forward would be to return to Lagos, and a group at the gathering urged him to succeed Mr. Sanwo-Olu after his tenure in 2027. However, he quickly clarified that this decision has not yet been made, stating, “We haven’t decided who will succeed Mr. Sanwo-Olu.”
Gbajabiamila, has long harboured the ambition of becoming the Governor of Lagos State, with analysts suggesting that 2027 is the most likely target, given his age and experience. Among all the potential candidates, he stands out as the only one who has reached such a high point in his political career and may have limited options if he does not run for the governorship position now.
Currently, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, is serving as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recently, he launched several impactful projects in Lagos, further positioning himself for the governorship role.
It is widely believed that he has significant influence over President Tinubu, who plays a key role in deciding the next governor of Lagos. As a loyal ally of the president, Gbajabiamila, possesses the qualifications necessary to be a successful governor.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2003, representing the Surulere I constituency of Lagos State, and he was re-elected to serve for six consecutive terms. On June 14, 2023, after 20 years of service, he resigned from the House to become the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
However, some of the concerns in choosing Gbajabiamila could be issue of control, as some believe he could become too powerful to be managed effectively as governor. Ultimately, the final decision is said to rest with one individual: the man who has been the leader of the party in the state for over 20 years.
It has also been suggested that the next governor may not even be among the names currently being circulated, similar to previous candidates like former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who emerged seemingly from nowhere.
–Isaac Abimbade
08155107955
