By Ghazali Ibrahim
The race for the Lagos State governorship in 2027 has taken a new turn within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as former governor Akinwunmi Ambode and ex-PDP candidate Olajide Adediran (Jandor) signal alignment with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, while another aspirant, Samuel Ajose, has openly rejected the emerging consensus.
Ambode recently congratulated Hamzat following his emergence as a preferred candidate within influential blocs of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move widely interpreted as a sign of support and possible withdrawal from active contest.
Similarly, Jandor has reiterated his commitment to party discipline, stating that he would abide by any consensus arrangement adopted by party leadership, even if it means stepping aside for another aspirant.
However, not all contenders are on board with the unfolding alignment.
Samuel Mayuwon Ajose, an APC aspirant from Badagry, has strongly opposed the endorsement of Hamzat, insisting that the process undermines internal democracy and should not stand.
He argued that the governorship ticket should be open to all aspirants through a transparent primary, warning against what he described as attempts to impose a candidate on the party.
The development underscores growing divisions within the Lagos APC as political heavyweights reposition ahead of the 2027 election.
While some aspirants appear to be consolidating behind Hamzat, others continue to push for a competitive primary process.
Political observers say the unfolding dynamics reflect a familiar pattern in Lagos politics, where consensus-building among party elites often shapes the final outcome, even as dissenting voices demand a more open contest.
