Suspense is deepening over who will emerge as the next governor of Lagos State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that no aspirant has been anointed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration comes amid heightened political intrigue following the arrival of President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for the Easter holidays, a visit widely seen within political circles as a decisive moment in shaping the succession battle to replace Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
For weeks, speculations have swirled that Tinubu, long regarded as the ultimate political power broker in Lagos, could use the visit to signal his preferred choice of next governor of the state. Party insiders and observers alike believe that any subtle endorsement from the President could instantly tilt the balance in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest.
Among those being mentioned in political conversations are former governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, alongside a growing list of other aspirants quietly building alliances across the state.
However, sources close to unfolding developments told GWG.ng that Tinubu may once again defy expectations on his choice of the next governor of Lagos State.
“Tinubu will not choose anyone that already has an independent political structure,” a source familiar with the calculations revealed. “Based on that, many of those already campaigning could be edged out. Expect someone relatively unknown — possibly from within the Lagos bureaucracy or even from Abuja.”
The suggestion has further heightened suspense within the party, reinforcing a long-held pattern in Lagos politics where final decisions often emerge unexpectedly from the inner circle of power.
It is widely believed that before departing Lagos after the Easter break, Tinubu may give strategic direction, directly or indirectly, on how party leaders should align ahead of the primaries, effectively setting the tone for the contest.
Meanwhile, in what appears to be a counterbalance to the swirling speculations, the Lagos APC leadership has moved to calm tensions by reaffirming its commitment to an open and competitive process.
State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, declared on Thursday that all elective positions remain open to interested aspirants, stressing that the party has not endorsed any candidate for any office.
According to him, the APC will adopt the direct primary system as its main mode of candidate selection, while also allowing for consensus arrangements where they are freely agreed upon and widely accepted by stakeholders.
Ojelabi noted that the process would strictly comply with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other relevant laws.
“All the available positions are open for contest. We encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded.
He further assured party members of a level-playing field, pledging that the process would be free, fair and transparent.
“As a progressive party, we will give all members the opportunity to contest positions in a manner that will produce the real representatives of the various constituencies,” he stated.
In a nod to inclusivity, Ojelabi also disclosed that the party would give special consideration to influential female aspirants as part of efforts to deepen gender participation in politics.
He urged party faithful to conduct themselves with decorum and abide by established rules, stressing that the APC would neither impose candidates nor manipulate the outcome of its primaries.
“While we await official guidelines from our national body, we encourage everyone to participate with dignity and honour,” he added.
Despite the assurances, political watchers say the real contest may ultimately hinge on the signals whether overt or subtle that emerge from Tinubu’s ongoing visit, as Lagos prepares for yet another defining moment in its political evolution.
