LAGOS 2027: Tinubu’s Top Aides Knocked Out as APC Governorship Race Widens, Ambode–Hamzat Rivalry Intensifies Amid Growing Political Intrigue,

In a major political twist shaping the contours of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, three high-profile aspirants and close appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been effectively ruled out of the race, dramatically altering the dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those affected include Femi Gbajabiamila, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Tunji Alausa. All three were widely speculated to be strong contenders for the Lagos governorship but failed to comply with the March 31, 2026 deadline reportedly set by the President, requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to resign their positions.

Their inability to meet this condition has now shut the door on their participation in the 2027 contest, significantly narrowing the field while intensifying competition among remaining aspirants.

With these exits, the APC governorship race in Lagos is now shaping into a fierce contest, particularly between former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the incumbent Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat both influential figures from Epe, a development that adds a geographical and political layer to the unfolding contest.

The race also features a diverse lineup of aspirants cutting across political backgrounds and influence blocs. Among them are Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor; Mudashiru Obasa; Tokunbo Abiru; Babajimi Benson; and Samuel Mawuyon Ajose.

Political undercurrents intensified further following reports that Deputy Governor Hamzat had secured endorsement from President Tinubu alongside some members of the powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) during a strategic meeting of Southwest APC leaders held over the Eid holiday.

However, emerging counter-narratives from insiders familiar with the deliberations have downplayed the endorsement claims, describing them as exaggerated and not reflective of a final consensus within the party’s leadership hierarchy.

Meanwhile, former Governor Ambode is said to be gaining momentum, buoyed by what insiders describe as widespread public goodwill and grassroots support. Party stakeholders are reportedly cautioning against ignoring this growing sentiment, warning that sidelining popular opinion could have political consequences for the APC in Lagos.

Beyond the governorship contest, permutations are also ongoing for other strategic positions.

Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, widely known as Buffalo, is emerging as a strong contender for the APC Lagos West Senatorial seat. At the same time, indications suggest that Speaker Obasa could retain his position, a move that would potentially cement his legacy as one of the longest-serving Speakers in Nigeria’s state legislative history.

As alignments shift and political calculations deepen within the Lagos APC, the race toward 2027 is already unfolding with high stakes, internal maneuvering, and competing power blocs. Observers note that the coming months will be critical in determining not just the party’s candidate, but also the future direction of governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.