As the 2027 general elections approach in Lagos State, the political landscape is already heating up. Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode appears to be making a comeback, with influential party stakeholders reportedly exploring strategies to defer Seyi Tinubu’s potential gubernatorial ambition to 2031. The 2027 Lagos governorship contest is emerging as one of the most competitive in recent times. With multiple high-profile aspirants, influential political blocs, and a more vocal electorate, the battle for the state’s leadership is poised to attract intense scrutiny. Seyi Tinubu, 40, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been identified by several youth organizations and Nigerian diaspora groups as a prospective candidate for Lagos State governorship. Last year, endorsements came from groups such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, The Future Platform, and segments of Nigerian communities abroad, urging him to formally declare his interest in the race. However, this development has reportedly left the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in a political dilemma. Seyi Tinubu has neither officially announced his candidacy nor received any public confirmation or support from his father regarding the matter. By 2027, Lagos State will require a new governor as Babajide Sanwo-Olu completes his constitutionally permitted second term. Sources indicate that political power brokers are exploring the possibility of Ambode returning to complete a second term, effectively paving the way for Seyi Tinubu’s gubernatorial run in 2031. Ambode, who had a political fallout with Tinubu and Lagos APC leaders before the 2019 elections, was denied the APC ticket and subsequently lost the party primary to Sanwo-Olu, who went on to win the governorship. Insider reports reveal that members of the GAC are now actively working to delay Seyi Tinubu’s bid, citing party continuity and strategic planning as key reasons. A senior APC figure in Gbagada explained, “Although Seyi was interested in the governorship earlier, he was advised to maintain a low profile to support his father’s re-election campaign. Party leadership saw his ambition as a potential distraction to President Tinubu’s second-term agenda, especially given growing opposition challenges.” The Governance Advisory Council, a powerful 30-member body created by Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos governor in 1999 and led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, includes former governors, deputy governors, past speakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, serving and former senators, and notable elder statesmen and women. The GAC has historically influenced the emergence of Lagos governors, including Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu. An insider further revealed that if President Tinubu secures re-election in 2027, completing his tenure in 2031, Seyi Tinubu is expected to step into the Lagos governorship race to preserve his father’s political legacy. The push for Ambode’s return is also partly driven by lingering resentment in Lagos State’s Epe district over Ambode’s previous ouster. Lagos is administratively divided into five districts collectively referred to as IBILE: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Historically, Lagos governors—Tinubu, Fashola, and Sanwo-Olu—hail from Lagos Island and completed two terms, while Ambode, from Epe, was denied a second term. Epe stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming political marginalization despite subsequent appointments, such as Tunji Alausa serving as Health Minister and later Education Minister. Residents argue that either Alausa or Ambode should succeed Sanwo-Olu in 2027 to ensure equitable political representation. A senior APC insider in Ogba, Ikeja stated, “The aim is not to sideline Seyi Tinubu but to give him a more stable runway. The party wants to avoid the mistakes of 2023, when the Labour Party scored victories against APC in key areas. Seyi needs to focus on mobilizing youth support for his father. Running for governor now would divide attention and cause public unrest. Ambode or Alausa is strategically better positioned for 2027.” The 2027 race in Lagos is already crowded with heavyweights such as President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly called Jandor. Among them, only Jandor, a former PDP aspirant who defected to APC in 2025, has publicly declared his governorship ambition. Jandor said in an interview with Channels Television, “Lagosians deserve a fresh vision, combining experience with innovation. Having observed governance from multiple perspectives, I am ready to offer solutions that reflect the people’s needs, provided I have solid backing from the President and the party.” Public Sentiment and Voter Perspectives Lagos residents and the electorate have closely monitored these political developments, expressing a mix of cautious optimism, skepticism, and excitement. Mrs Funke Adeyemi, a shop owner in Ikeja, commented, “Whoever the party chooses, we want a governor who delivers development, improves roads, and creates jobs. Lagosians are tired of empty promises.” Tunde Olanrewaju, another resident, emphasized continuity and stability: “Ambode has governance experience, and Tinubu carries political lineage. But we need practical policies, not just political theatrics.” Younger voters are calling for more inclusivity in the process. Chidera Nwosu, a university student, said, “The next governor must listen to ordinary citizens, not only party elders. We need a leadership vision that extends beyond political calculations.” The Road to 2027 A political consultant from Kirikiri Town, Taiwo Akorede, explained, “The party must reconcile diverse interests while projecting a candidate capable of winning a highly competitive general election.” As Lagos prepares for the 2027 governorship election, the race is expected to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested in recent history. One certainty remains: the countdown to 2027 has begun, and Lagosians are observing every political maneuver with keen interest.
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has strongly cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against bowing to increasing pressure to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a public statement delivered in Abuja by its chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum emphasized that President Tinubu would stand the risk of losing nearly 80 percent of northern Muslim votes if he yields to demands to abandon the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which secured him victory in the 2023 elections. Growing Pressure on Tinubu to Drop Shettima As the 2027 elections draw closer, President Tinubu is facing mounting pressure from several groups and political stakeholders calling on him to consider a change in his running mate. Many of these voices argue that the Muslim-Muslim ticket, which worked in 2023, may no longer resonate with Nigerians in 2027. On Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, led by Dominic Alancha, openly warned against repeating the same ticket. Alancha highlighted that the APC lost states like Nasarawa, Plateau, and even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2023 due to dissatisfaction with the Muslim-Muslim strategy. He cautioned that repeating this approach could further erode APC’s popularity, especially in the Middle Belt region. North-Central APC Forum’s Rebuttal However, countering Alancha’s position, the North-Central APC Forum firmly maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was never about religious marginalization but rather an electoral strategy. The Forum stressed that Christians in the Middle Belt remain significantly represented in Tinubu’s government with notable figures like: According to the Forum, these appointments demonstrate balance and inclusivity, proving that Christians are not sidelined. The Forum further expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure over 90 percent of votes in the North-Central region, pointing out that his performance and achievements in office will speak louder than religious narratives. Forum Urges Tinubu to Maintain “Winning Team” The statement emphasized that dropping Shettima would amount to a “needless risk” and could jeopardize APC’s chances of victory in 2027. “Those who opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 largely supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party. If Obi runs again in 2027, what guarantee exists that they will suddenly abandon him and vote for Tinubu even if Shettima is replaced with a Christian candidate?” the Forum queried. The Forum accused those pushing against Shettima of mischief-making, arguing that their real aim is to weaken Tinubu’s re-election chances. Allegations of Division Within Tinubu’s Support Base Additionally, the Forum alleged that certain individuals claiming to support Tinubu’s re-election are alienating northern Muslim communities while focusing attention on Christians in the region. They warned that this discriminatory strategy could backfire: then President Tinubu risks losing both blocs of votes in 2027. The Forum urged the President to see through what they called a “calculated attempt at sabotage.” Final Warning from the Forum In its closing remarks, the Forum strongly advised Tinubu to “stick with what worked in 2023”. “Changing Vice President Kashim Shettima will bring no electoral benefits. On the contrary, it could cost President Tinubu 80 percent of northern Muslim votes. Even if he replaces Shettima with another northern Muslim, the perception of betrayal will remain, leading to massive voter loss. The only wise path is to maintain the winning formula that secured victory in 2023,” the Forum concluded.
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Mamman Lagos, Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has refuted claims made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai regarding his ability to influence the 2027 election outcome. Lagos, a key ally of the current governor, Uba Sani, emphasized that El-Rufai lacks any special authority over the forthcoming elections. He insisted that the former governor should refrain from interfering in the affairs of the state’s governance. El-Rufai Advised to Steer Clear of Kaduna Governance The commissioner highlighted that while El-Rufai previously held significant positions such as Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Governor of Kaduna State, he was never obstructed from performing his duties. “We must clarify that our respected governor, Uba Sani, has never meddled in past administrations. Instead, he remained focused on initiating policies and passing Bills to improve the lives of Kaduna residents,” Lagos stated. He further noted that there is no justification for El-Rufai to interfere in governance matters, stressing that no individual holds the exclusive right to determine political successes or failures in Kaduna. For additional insights into Kaduna’s political landscape, visit Premium Times for reliable updates. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressed disappointment at the prospect of Jonathan joining another party, emphasizing that the PDP has always supported his political rise. Abdullahi reflected on the party’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s leadership, mentioning prominent figures like former governors, ministers, and international leaders who are products of the PDP. He urged Jonathan to complete what he started within the party, warning that running with another party would highlight the “hypocrisy” of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also cautioned Jonathan to be wary of those who previously criticized him but are now praising him, warning that such sudden affection could be misleading. The emergence of presidential campaign posters for Jonathan in Kano, under the banner of ‘Team New Nigeria,’ has sparked speculation about his potential bid for the 2027 election. The movement, which had also pushed for Jonathan’s candidacy under the APC during the 2023 elections, has rekindled interest in his political future. Political figures from northern Nigeria have also reportedly started efforts to draft Jonathan into the race, believing that he is eligible for another term after his presidency from 2011 to 2015. Internally, the PDP is facing significant challenges, with the party’s future largely dependent on the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025. The meeting is expected to address key issues, including the ongoing leadership struggles within the party. The delay in convening the NEC meeting has sparked criticism, with some members suggesting that the longer the delay, the more detrimental it will be for the PDP’s prospects. Key figures within the PDP, such as former Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, argue that the party’s internal conflicts, especially surrounding the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, have hindered progress. The outcome of the February meeting will be crucial in determining the direction of the party. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
