2027 LAGOS GUBER: SEYI TINUBU’S BID ENCOUNTERS RESISTANCE AS INFLUENTIAL FIGURES EYE AMBODE’S RETURN

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By: Fasasi Hammad

As preparations for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election gather pace, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode is increasingly emerging as a key figure in political calculations, with reports suggesting that party power brokers are considering deferring Seyi Tinubu’s potential governorship ambition to 2031.

The race promises to be one of the most competitive in recent Lagos political history, featuring high-profile aspirants, shifting power blocs, and a more engaged and vocal electorate weighing in on the state’s leadership future.

Seyi Tinubu, 40, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has received backing from youth and diaspora groups advocating for his entry into the race. In 2025, organisations such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, The Future Platform, and segments of Nigerian communities abroad publicly encouraged him to declare his interest.

However, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a 30-member political body established by President Tinubu in 1999, has reportedly been in a dilemma. Seyi has not formally declared his intention to contest, nor has his father publicly endorsed him.

By 2027, Lagos will elect a new governor, as Babajide Sanwo-Olu will have completed his constitutionally permitted second term. Sources within the APC indicate that influential stakeholders are exploring the possibility of Ambode returning for a second term, which could pave the way for Seyi Tinubu’s governorship in 2031.

Ambode, who governed Lagos from 2015 to 2019, was denied a second term following disagreements with party leadership and lost the APC primary to Sanwo-Olu, who subsequently won the governorship.

According to insiders, GAC members are reportedly seeking to delay Seyi Tinubu’s governorship bid to maintain party cohesion and strategic advantage. A party source said Seyi was previously advised to focus on supporting his father’s political agenda rather than diverting attention to a gubernatorial campaign.

“The leadership viewed his ambition as potentially distracting from the President’s second-term campaign, especially given the rising opposition,” said Segun Badejo, an APC chieftain in Gbagada.

The GAC, chaired by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, includes former governors, deputy governors, speakers, senators, and respected elder statesmen and women. It has historically played a decisive role in the emergence of Lagos governors, including Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Political sources further note that lingering resentment in the Epe district, Ambode’s home base, is a key factor in his potential return. Lagos State is divided into five administrative districts—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe (IBILE)—and all previous governors from Lagos Island have completed two terms, leaving Ambode as the only governor from Epe denied a second term.

While President Tinubu later appointed Tunji Alausa, also from Epe, as Minister of Health and subsequently Education, stakeholders in the district insist the governorship should return to their zone, with either Alausa or Ambode as the preferred candidates.

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A senior APC source in Ogba, Ikeja,said that the strategy was not aimed at sidelining Seyi Tinubu, but rather to give him a stronger runway.

“The party wants to avoid a repeat of 2023, when the Labour Party gained traction in Lagos. A simultaneous governorship and presidential campaign by the Tinubus could split focus and provoke backlash. Ambode or Alausa presents a more viable option in 2027,” the source explained.

The 2027 field is already drawing attention, with names like Femi Gbajabiamila (President’s Chief of Staff), Mudashiru Obasa (Lagos State Assembly Speaker), Tokunbo Abiru, and Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) being touted as potential contenders.

Community voices emphasize inclusion and regional representation. Olumide Balogun, a local leader, said: “Epe has been politically marginalised. Either Ambode or Alausa should be our next governor.”

Observers warn that failure to nominate a candidate from Lagos West Senatorial District could create electoral challenges for the APC. Edafe Oghenebrume, a political analyst, stated: “Excluding Lagos West risks alienating voters and could impact election outcomes. The district has been historically sidelined in governorship decisions.”

Currently, Jandor, who defected from the PDP in October 2025, is the only aspirant to publicly declare his interest. “Lagosians deserve a fresh vision that combines experience with innovation,” he said in an interview with Channels Television.

Meanwhile, Lagos residents continue to monitor developments closely. Funke Adeyemi, a trader in Ikeja, emphasized practical governance: “We want development, jobs, and better infrastructure, regardless of who is chosen.”

Students and younger voters also call for inclusive leadership. Chidera Nwosu, a university student, said: “The next governor must listen to ordinary people and offer solutions beyond party politics.”

Political consultants note that the APC faces the dual challenge of reconciling competing interests while presenting a candidate capable of winning a highly competitive election.

As Lagos approaches 2027, one thing is clear: the countdown has begun, and the state’s electorate is watching closely.