The Battle for Lagos: APC Contestants Jostle for 2027 Governorship Ticket

The contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 Lagos Governorship Race has begun in earnest. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure set to expire, several top contenders are vying to succeed him. The APC, known for its rigorous selection process, will have to navigate a complex web of interests, alliances, and zoning arrangements to choose its flagbearer.

The Contenders

A total of nine aspirants have thrown their hats into the ring, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. They include:

1. Femi Hamzat: The current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Hamzat has the advantage of experience and familiarity with the state’s governance.
2. Femi Gbajabiamila: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila brings federal-level experience and a strong network to the table.
3. Hakeem Muri-Okunola: A former Head of Service in Lagos State, Muri-Okunola has a deep understanding of the state’s bureaucracy.
4. Mudashiru Obasa: The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa has a strong grasp of legislative politics.
5. Tokunbo Abiru: A former Senator and current Representative of the Lagos East Senatorial District, Abiru has a strong track record of legislative experience.
6. Seyi Tinubu: Son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi has a strong political pedigree, but his lack of experience in governance might be a drawback.
7. Jimi Benson: A former Representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Benson has a strong understanding of grassroots politics.
8. Akinwunmi Ambode: The former Governor of Lagos State, Ambode has experience, but his relationship with the current political establishment might be a challenge.
9. Femi Pedro: A former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Pedro has experience, but his current level of involvement in state politics is unclear.

The APC’s Dilemma

The APC’s decision-making process, including zoning and consensus-building, will significantly influence who clinches the ticket. The party’s leadership will need to balance competing interests, alliances, and zoning arrangements to choose a candidate who can win the general election.

Zoning Arrangements

While the APC’s current zoning arrangements are unclear, it is rumored that the party may adopt a zoning formula that favors the Lagos East Senatorial District. If this is the case, Tokunbo Abiru and Jimi Benson may have an advantage.

Consensus-Building

The APC’s leadership may also adopt a consensus-building approach, where stakeholders and aspirants are brought together to agree on a candidate. This approach can help to reduce tensions and promote party unity.

Predicting the Outcome

While it is difficult to predict who will clinch the APC ticket by May 2026, Femi Hamzat’s experience and familiarity with the state’s governance make him a strong contender. Femi Gbajabiamila’s federal-level experience and strong network also make him a formidable aspirant.

However, the APC’s decision-making process is notoriously unpredictable, and several factors, including zoning arrangements, consensus-building, and stakeholder interests, will influence the outcome.

One thing is certain: the battle for Lagos has begun, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious.