Ambode, serving senator, education minister emerge as front runners in Lagos APC governorship race
Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos State, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, minister of state for health, have emerged as early front runners in the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election.
Political activities in Lagos have intensified following a directive by President Bola Tinubu asking appointees with ambitions for elective offices to resign on or before March 31.
The directive has triggered consultations and political permutations across the state as party stakeholders consider zoning arrangements for the APC governorship ticket.
Observers say emerging discussions within the party suggest the ticket may be zoned to the Lagos East senatorial district.
The development has placed several political figures from the zone in early conversations for the party’s ticket.
Among those mentioned are Ambode, Abiru, and Alausa. Hon. Jimi Benson, member of the House of Representatives, is also being mentioned in political discussions.
Other names circulating within party circles include Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Secretary to the president, and Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the president.
Party sources said consultations are still ongoing and the APC leadership has not made any official pronouncement on zoning.
There are also indications that Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, may feature in the emerging permutations.
Observers say Obasa could represent Lagos West senatorial district in a possible power-sharing arrangement within the party.
Attention has also shifted to the deputy governorship position, with political watchers suggesting the slot may be zoned to Lagos West as part of a broader balancing formula.
Party insiders said stakeholders in Lagos West have intensified consultations to ensure the district secures the deputy governorship slot.
Among those mentioned for the position are Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Ramota Hassan-Ijaiye, former chairman of Oriade LGA.
Others include Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Lagos commissioner for basic education, Lanre Sanusi, chairman of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, and Ayodele Adewale, former chairman of the council.
Political discussions have also mentioned Samuel Ajose and Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran. Within the Badagry division, party sources said Wale Oluwa has also gained traction in ongoing consultations.
Observers say factors likely to shape the final decisions include religious balancing, generational considerations, and debates over indigenous representation.
