As preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace in Lagos State, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode is once again becoming a major factor in political discussions. Influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly considering asking President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to postpone any governorship ambition until 2031.
The 2027 governorship race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Lagos history, with several well-known politicians, strong interest groups, and a politically active electorate closely following developments.
Seyi Tinubu, who is 40 years old, has been mentioned by youth groups and Nigerians in the diaspora as a possible candidate for governor. In the past year, organisations such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and The Future Platform publicly encouraged him to contest.
However, his possible entry into the race reportedly unsettled the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the powerful APC decision-making body in Lagos. Seyi has not officially declared his intention to run, and President Tinubu has not made any public statement supporting or rejecting the idea.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will complete his second and final term in 2027, meaning Lagos must elect a new governor. Sources say APC leaders are now considering bringing back Ambode to complete a second term, after which Seyi Tinubu could contest in 2031.
Ambode, who governed Lagos from 2015 to 2019, lost the APC ticket before the 2019 election after falling out with Tinubu and other party leaders. He was replaced by Sanwo-Olu, who went on to win the election.
According to insiders, APC leaders believe delaying Seyi Tinubu’s ambition would help maintain party unity and ensure proper planning. One source said Seyi was earlier advised to stay out of the race and focus on supporting his father’s expected bid for a second presidential term.
“The party felt his ambition could distract from his father’s re-election efforts, especially with growing opposition in Lagos,” said Segun Badejo, an APC chieftain in Gbagada.
The GAC, established by Tinubu in 1999, includes former governors, deputy governors, ex-lawmakers, senators, and respected party elders. The body played key roles in the emergence of governors Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Another reason for the renewed push for Ambode is dissatisfaction in the Epe area, where he comes from. Lagos State is divided into five divisions—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe—collectively known as IBILE.
While Tinubu, Fashola, and Sanwo-Olu, all from Lagos Island, served two full terms, Ambode from Epe was denied a second term. This has caused resentment among Epe leaders, who believe their zone was unfairly treated.
Although President Tinubu later appointed Tunji Alausa, also from Epe, as Minister of Health and later Minister of Education, many stakeholders in the area still insist that Epe deserves the governorship in 2027. They argue that either Ambode or Alausa should succeed Sanwo-Olu.
A senior APC stakeholder in Ikeja explained that delaying Seyi Tinubu’s ambition was not meant to sideline him.
“The idea is to give him a more stable path. The party does not want a repeat of the 2023 situation when Labour Party defeated Tinubu in Lagos,” the source said.
He added that Nigerians might not accept a situation where a father is president while his son is governor at the same time, warning that it could trigger public backlash.
Several political heavyweights are already being mentioned as possible contenders for the governorship. They include the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; and Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor.
Community leaders have also weighed in. Olumide Balogun, a Lagos resident, said Epe people feel sidelined and want one of their own to become governor.
Political observer Edafe Oghenebrume warned that the APC risks serious electoral trouble if it fails to pick a candidate from Lagos West Senatorial District, which he said has been marginalised since 1999.
So far, only Jandor has officially declared his intention to run. He said Lagos needs fresh ideas that combine experience with innovation and claimed he would win easily with the backing of President Tinubu and the APC.
Meanwhile, many Lagos residents say they are more interested in good governance than party politics. A shop owner in Ikeja, Mrs Funke Adeyemi, said Lagosians want better roads, jobs, and real development.
Others, especially young voters, are calling for a more inclusive process and leaders who listen to ordinary people rather than just party elders.
As the 2027 election approaches, analysts say the APC must carefully balance regional interests, party unity, and public opinion to avoid internal crisis and electoral defeat.
One thing is clear: the race for Lagos governorship has begun, and all eyes are on how the power struggle will unfold.
