Lagos 2027 Governorship: APC Zoning Battle Intensifies as Ambode, Abiru, Others Emerge
As political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election begin to take shape, familiar permutations are once again dominating conversations across party lines.
In Lagos State, momentum is gradually building following a directive issued by Bola Tinubu, mandating political appointees with ambitions for elective positions to resign on or before March 31.
The directive has intensified political tension, consultations, and strategic alignments across the state, as observers and insiders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) speculate on possible zoning formulas and emerging contenders for the party’s governorship ticket.
Political analysts who spoke to PulseNets noted that evolving dynamics within the APC could favour the governorship ticket being zoned to the Lagos East Senatorial District.
This development, PulseNets learnt, has prompted several prominent political figures from the district to initiate early consultations and strategic engagements ahead of the primaries.
Names frequently mentioned in political circles include former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; the senator representing Lagos East, Adetokunbo Abiru; Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa; and a member of the House of Representatives, Jimi Benson.
Other figures being mentioned include Hakeem Muri-Okunola, a lawyer and Principal Secretary to the President, as well as Femi Gbajabiamila.
Although party sources who spoke to PulseNets maintained that consultations remain ongoing and no official zoning decision has been announced, there are indications that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, may play a significant role in the unfolding permutations.
It is being speculated that Obasa could emerge as a senatorial candidate representing Lagos West in what insiders described to PulseNets as a calculated power-sharing arrangement within the party.
Lagos West pushes for deputy governorship slot
Attention has also shifted to the deputy governorship position, with political watchers suggesting the slot may be zoned to Lagos West Senatorial District as part of a broader balancing formula.
The possibility has triggered intense lobbying across the district, particularly within the Badagry division and other blocs, where stakeholders have reportedly intensified consultations to secure the number two position.
Party insiders told PulseNets that leaders and stakeholders from the zone have escalated behind-the-scenes engagements within APC structures, arguing that the district, regarded as the largest and most politically expansive in the state, deserves stronger representation in the executive arm.
The agitation, PulseNets gathered, has drawn in major APC blocs, including the influential Justice Forum and The Mandate Group, both historically pivotal in shaping the emergence of deputy governors in Lagos.
Among those being considered for the deputy governorship slot are 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 council chairman, Ayodele Adewale.
Also mentioned in ongoing consultations are Samuel Ajose and Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran.
Within the Badagry axis, political conversations have also brought to the fore the name of Wale Oluwa, whose profile, party insiders told PulseNets, is gaining traction in ongoing consultations.
Stakeholders from the division are said to be intensifying advocacy for a candidate from Badagry, arguing that the axis has consistently contributed to the party’s electoral strength and should be factored into the emerging political equation.
Meanwhile, another school of thought within APC circles suggests that both Adeniran and Ajose may be under consideration for federal appointments outside the state.
Key factors likely to shape final decisions
Political watchers who spoke to PulseNets identified several factors that could influence the eventual emergence of both governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
These include religious balancing, generational considerations, and the persistent debate over indigenous representation in Lagos politics.
From a religious standpoint, there are indications that some stakeholders are backing a Muslim candidate to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is a Christian.
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In addition, analysts told PulseNets that the issue of indigenous representation has resurfaced strongly, with several political blocs advocating increased inclusion of indigenes in key leadership roles.
Another permutation gaining traction suggests a possible arrangement where Lagos East produces the governor, Lagos Central Senatorial District produces the deputy governor, and Lagos West produces the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
As consultations continue across party structures, observers agree that the coming months will likely witness intensified alignments and realignments, as aspirants position themselves ahead of the APC’s final decision on zoning and candidate selection for the 2027 governorship race.
