Lagos APC succession battle deepens as Hamzat, Gbajabiamila, others jostle for Sanwo-Olu’s seat

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, fresh indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress in Lagos is facing intense internal consultations over who succeeds Babajide Sanwo-Olu when his tenure ends in 2027.

Investigations show that although several influential figures within the party are positioning for the governorship ticket, the contest remains wide open as party leaders weigh factors such as popularity, electoral value, zoning, indigeneship and internal political balance.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has already fixed January 16, 2027 for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to conduct primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Within the Lagos APC, no fewer than 10 prominent names are being linked with the governorship race. Among them are Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Governor’s Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, Presidential aide Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, former PDP governorship candidate Jide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, and businessman Samuel Ajose.

Party insiders disclosed that consensus remains a likely pathway, although no final agreement has been reached.

A source familiar with ongoing consultations said pressure from Lagos indigenes is increasingly shaping discussions, especially against aspirants perceived as lacking strong indigenous roots.

According to the source, “The contest is still open because groups representing Lagos natives are pushing hard and challenging every perceived arrangement that ignores indigeneship.”

Among those seen as front-runners, Hamzat is considered highly experienced, having served under multiple administrations before emerging deputy governor in 2019.

His political credentials include previous appointments as Commissioner for Science and Technology under former governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, as well as Special Adviser in the federal works ministry before contesting the 2019 governorship primary.

However, his possible emergence is still generating debate over questions surrounding ancestry and political acceptability.

Meanwhile, groups under the banner of Lagos indigenous stakeholders have renewed calls for the governorship seat to remain strictly for qualified indigenes, insisting that future leadership must reflect fairness and historical balance.

Traditional rulers from Badagry division have also intensified agitation for power shift, arguing that the area remains the only historical division in Lagos yet to produce a governor.

The monarchs maintained that zoning the office to Badagry would correct longstanding political imbalance and strengthen inclusion within the state.

Despite speculations over preferred aspirants, Lagos APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi insisted that the party has not endorsed any candidate.

He said all positions remain open and that while direct primaries remain the party’s first option, consensus would still be allowed where acceptable to all sides.

Political observers note that beyond party loyalty, the eventual APC candidate may emerge through a delicate combination of identity politics, zoning calculations, electability and elite negotiation.