- Lagos APC dumps consensus, adopts direct primaries for all 2027 races.
- Governorship race now open; Hamzat, Ambode, Wahab, Gbajabiamila, Obasa in mix.
- Zoning to Epe and religion expected to shape outcome; Alausa out, Gbajabiamila still in.
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has opted to adopt direct primaries for all elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, abandoning the consensus arrangement that had earlier been under consideration.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that this decision means candidates for all races, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly, will now emerge through a direct vote of party members rather than selection by party leaders.
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The development marks a significant shift from earlier expectations that a consensus candidate would be produced for the governorship race. As reported by EKO HOT BLOG, President Bola Tinubu had been expected to endorse a preferred candidate following consultations with key stakeholders.
However, after sustained engagements with the Lagos APC’s influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the party’s highest decision-making body in the state, it was resolved that the race should be thrown open to a broader democratic process.
As a result, no aspirant for the governorship has officially declared interest.
Nonetheless, several prominent figures continue to be linked to the race, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Should any of them formally declare, they will now have to test their popularity and political machinery among the rank and file of the party, convincing members of their capacity to represent the APC and secure victory at the 2027 polls.
One notable absentee from the evolving contest is the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who is no longer considered a contender, even though he had already dismissed speculations that he would join the race.
We’re still hard at work here at the FME, don’t believe the rumours 😌 https://t.co/sYY4ifOaq6
— Dr. Tunji Alausa (@DrTunjiAlausa) March 4, 2026
Unlike other presidential appointees with political ambitions, Alausa did not resign his position ahead of the March 31 deadline set by the president.
Many political observers and figures have noted that the minister’s stay in the Federal Government would further benefit the country, after driving impressive performances, first in the Ministry of Health, and now, in the Ministry of Education.
It seems alot of people wants you to continue as minister of education sir.
The university system has enjoyed a lot of stability under your leadership 👏 🙌
— Omo Ologo 🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@ibirogba2000) March 4, 2026
Please don't go sir oooo
We want you stay through till june12 2027🤝🏾
That man from ibadan fit resign tonight🤷♀️
— Alaka Tunde (@Alakatunde) March 4, 2026
Since assuming as Minister of Education in October 2024, Alausa has driven a series of reforms in the education sector, including curriculum restructuring, expansion of technical and vocational training, and infrastructure upgrades across tertiary institutions. His tenure has also seen the resolution of longstanding disputes in the university system, reinforcing his standing as one of the administration’s most effective technocrats.
In contrast, Gbajabiamila and Muri-Okunola are still believed to be in contention, as their current roles are not considered to fall within the category affected by the March 31 resignation directive.
Despite the shift to direct primaries, several underlying dynamics are expected to shape the contest. Party sources indicate that the governorship ticket is still likely to be zoned to the Epe Division, a factor that could complicate the ambitions of aspirants such as Obasa and Gbajabiamila, who are not from the zone.
Religion is also expected to play a role. After eight years of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a Christian, there is growing sentiment within the party that the next governor should be a Muslim.
However, there remains a counter-argument among some stakeholders that former Governor Ambode, a Christian, could be allowed to return and complete what would amount to 16 years of Christian leadership — mirroring the 16-year stretch of Muslim governors under Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.
FURTHER READING
With the consensus option now off the table, the Lagos APC governorship race is set to evolve into a full-scale contest, with aspirants required to build broad-based support across the party’s grassroots structure in the months ahead.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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