The race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos is already heating up, even though the 2027 election is still two years away. Political heavyweights and rising stars are positioning themselves for what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battles.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which national leader President Bola Tinubu has been influential in Lagos since 1999, will once again be the party to beat. But opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are preparing to challenge APC’s dominance.
Here are some of the top names being discussed and what makes them strong contenders.
1. Obafemi Hamzat
Hamzat, the 61-year-old trained engineer, has deep roots in Lagos politics.
He previously served as commissioner for science and technology under Governor Bola Tinubu and later as commissioner for works and infrastructure under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
As deputy governor since 2019, he has been instrumental in infrastructure development and policymaking, giving him strong administrative experience.
However, Hamzat faces a major historical hurdle – no deputy governor has ever succeeded an incumbent governor in Lagos State.
He must not only convince party power brokers that he is the right choice for continuity but also overcome the perception that deputies are traditionally sidelined when it comes to the top job.
2. Tokunbo Abiru
Abiru is a former banking executive who rose to become group managing director of Polaris Bank before going to the National Assembly.
As Lagos commissioner for finance under Governor Fashola, the 61-year-old was credited with reforms that boosted the state’s revenue and financial management.
Elected to the Senate in 2020, Abiru has focused on economic and fiscal policies, making him a favourite among Lagos’ business elite.
His challenge will be strengthening his grassroots network to compete in the state’s highly political environment.
3. Femi Gbajabiamila
Gbajabiamila, 63, is one of Nigeria’s most experienced legislators, having served six consecutive terms in the House of Representatives.
He rose through the ranks to become minority leader, majority leader and ultimately speaker of the House from 2019 to 2023.
Currently serving as President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Gbajabiamila wields significant influence within APC and across national politics.
His candidacy would be formidable, though he must navigate zoning considerations and address calls for younger leadership in Lagos.
4. Seyi Tinubu
Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, is a lawyer and entrepreneur with interests in advertising and media.
The 39-year-old has built his public profile through youth-focused initiatives, philanthropy and political involvement.
Some APC factions see him as the natural heir to his father’s political structure and a symbol of generational change.
However, his potential candidacy has sparked debate over political dynasties and whether Lagos should prioritise merit over family legacy.
5. Mudashiru Obasa
Obasa, a lawyer, represents Agege Constituency I and has been in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2007.
He became speaker in 2015 and is now one of the most powerful figures in Lagos politics.
The 52-year-old survived an impeachment plot by some lawmakers in 2025, demonstrating his deep influence and political resilience.
He has openly signalled his ambition to govern Lagos but will need to win over APC heavyweights and navigate the state’s sensitive zoning arrangements.
6. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Dabiri-Erewa is a veteran journalist who spent years at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before entering politics.
The 62-year-old served three terms in the House of Representatives, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, where she championed diaspora and education reforms.
As head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), she has built a strong national profile.
If Lagosians push for its first female governor, Dabiri-Erewa would be a formidable candidate with a blend of political and media experience.
7. Oluranti Adebule
Adebule, an academic with a doctorate in curriculum studies, transitioned into politics after years in education administration.
She served as deputy governor under Akinwunmi Ambode from 2015 to 2019 and currently represents Lagos West in the Senate.
Her mix of executive and legislative experience positions the 54-year-old as a strong contender, especially if APC decides to prioritise gender inclusion in its candidate selection.
8. Akinwunmi Ambode
Ambode, a chartered accountant, built his career in the Lagos civil service, eventually rising to the position of accountant-general.
The 62-year-old served as governor from 2015 to 2019, earning praise for his infrastructure initiatives and reforms in public finance.
However, he was denied a second-term ticket by APC leadership, paving the way for Sanwo-Olu’s emergence.
Since leaving office, Ambode has kept a low profile but remains popular among many Lagosians.
If he chooses to return to the political arena, his candidacy could dramatically shake up the race.
9. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour
Rhodes-Vivour, an architect and activist, ran as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in 2023, finishing second to Sanwo-Olu.
The 42-year-old has positioned himself as a voice for youth empowerment, environmental reform and transparent governance.
He recently defected to the ADC on a political journey that had previously taken him to KOWA and PDP.
GRV, as he is popularly known, retains strong grassroots support among young Lagosians and progressive voters, though he will need broader alliances to unseat the APC in 2027.
10. Funso Doherty
Doherty is a financial expert and former managing director of PAL Pensions.
Running under the ADC in 2023, the 57-year-old gained recognition for his clear policy proposals and issue-driven campaign.
In July 2024, he defected to the PDP, giving him access to a much larger political structure and resources.
His challenge will be consolidating his base within PDP and converting his technocratic appeal into broad electoral support across the state.
