As Lagos State prepares for the 2027 general elections, political maneuverings within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun to intensify. The impending end of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s constitutionally permitted second term opens a fresh chapter in Lagos politics, prompting speculation, permutations, and power plays. Several heavyweight contenders have emerged, but one name deserves greater strategic attention—not just for 2027, but for what lies beyond: Akinwunmi Ambode.
While others focus on ambition and electability, it is critical that political analysts and party stakeholders pause to consider the broader political chessboard. If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC genuinely intend to install Seyi Tinubu—the president’s son—as the future governor of Lagos State, then 2027 must be approached not just as another election cycle, but as a carefully calibrated stepping stone.
And in that equation, Akinwunmi Ambode is not just a former governor—he is the only candidate whose leadership in 2027 can guarantee the possibility of a smooth and unimpeded Seyi Tinubu governorship bid in 2031.
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The Stakes and the Structure
Lagos is no ordinary state. It is Nigeria’s economic capital, political bellwether, and the cornerstone of the Tinubu political dynasty. What happens in Lagos is never isolated—it echoes nationally. That is why the succession plan must be strategic, not sentimental.
Let us take a moment to examine some of the top contenders for the APC ticket:
Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, is a seasoned politician with an impressive resume. However, if Gbajabiamila becomes governor in 2027, logic and constitutional provisions demand he will serve for two terms, barring any disruption. That would mean holding office until 2035—a timeline that clashes irreparably with any plans to install Seyi Tinubu in 2031.
Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is another political heavyweight. His recent impeachment scare and subsequent reinstatement revealed his influence and the strength of his faction within the party. Still, his legislative background, while strong, may not inspire widespread public confidence in governance at a time Lagosians demand performance over politics.
READ ALSO:The Lagos Governorship Plot (II): Ambode’s Redemption: Lagos APC’s Secret Weapon for 2027
Dr. Kadri Hamzat, Tokunbo Abiru, and Hakeem Muri-Okunola are all competent administrators, but none combine political experience, mass appeal, and executive readiness the way Ambode does.
Why Ambode—Why Now?
Ambode’s first tenure (2015–2019) was marked by infrastructural advancement, civil service reform, and urban renewal. While he was controversially denied a second term due to internal party politics, his achievements have aged well in the minds of the Lagos electorate. Today, many Lagosians recall his tenure with a sense of nostalgia, particularly for his technocratic efficiency and non-political approach to governance.
His political sabbatical has only enhanced his image, painting him as a competent administrator who put public interest before political gamesmanship. That is a profile Lagos APC cannot afford to ignore.
But beyond performance, the strongest reason to support Ambode’s return lies in timing.
Ambode: The Political Bridge to Seyi Tinubu
Unlike others who may seek two terms in office, Ambode is constitutionally entitled to only one more term. This makes him the ideal placeholder—a stabilizing force to guide Lagos through 2027 to 2031, after which the Tinubu dynasty can unveil Seyi Tinubu for governorship without disrupting party cohesion or public expectations.
Ambode’s one-term governorship will offer:
Continuity without conflict: He will stabilize the state and restore trust in governance while leaving space for a new generation to emerge.
Time for preparation: Seyi Tinubu, already gaining prominence through philanthropy and youth engagement, will have four more years to consolidate networks, build grassroots structures, and develop a more solid political profile.
A reconciliation gesture: Bringing Ambode back could mend rifts within Lagos APC, signaling a shift toward performance-based politics rather than loyalty-based reward systems.
The Political Optics
If the APC is serious about long-term dominance in Lagos, then it must present a candidate who appeals not just to party loyalists but also to ordinary citizens disillusioned with traditional political maneuvering. Ambode, having been unjustly pushed aside in 2019, now represents both competence and redemption.
On the other hand, positioning someone like Gbajabiamila for the role may create a leadership bottleneck. Gbajabiamila’s track record is strong, and his loyalty to the Tinubu dynasty is undisputed. But a two-term expectation would inevitably collide with the carefully-laid plans for a generational power shift in 2031.
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The Politics of Possibility
Politics is about timing, balance, and vision. The APC’s challenge in Lagos is not simply to win in 2027—it is to win while keeping its long-term goals intact. In this high-stakes game, Akinwunmi Ambode is not just an option—he is a necessity.
If President Tinubu and the APC truly envision a political future where Seyi Tinubu emerges as the governor of Lagos, then the party must pave that road today—not by sidelining emerging leaders, but by selecting a candidate who can hold the fort with credibility, capability, and calm.
Ambode is the only candidate who offers that equilibrium. The others may excite different factions, but only he can serve as a capable steward of Lagos’ future without disrupting the dynasty’s next chapter.
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The choice is strategic. The message is clear.
Lagos 2027 must be about building the bridge to Lagos 2031.
And Ambode is that bridge.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe
Head of Media and Publicity Secretary, Bullion Records
Editor-in-Chief, The Merit Newspaper
ibrahimtaofeekkegbegbe@gmail.com
08024248696
