Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State are reportedly divided over the mode of primaries to be adopted for the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election. Sources close to the party’s apex leadership revealed that key figures, including Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and Senator Anthony Adefuye, are yet to reach a consensus on whether the candidate should emerge through direct primaries or a consensus arrangement; the two options permitted under the Electoral Act.
The development followed reports that members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision making body of the APC in Lagos State, had settled for the incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship race.
It was gathered that the issue dominated discussions at a recent meeting of party leaders, but no agreement was reached on the mode of selecting the candidate. Sources said the leaders ended the meeting without a resolution and resolved to await the intervention of the party’s national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to meet with them in Lagos.
The President is currently on official engagements, including visits to states such as Plateau, and commissioning of projects in Lagos and Ogun States. “We could not agree on the mode of selecting the next governorship candidate. Some of us do not support the idea of adopting a consensus candidate.
Those interested should be ready to test their popularity at the primaries, although others believe consensus remains the best option,” a source disclosed. The source added that with several aspirants showing interest in the governorship seat, it would be difficult for party leaders to impose a candidate on members.
However, he acknowledged that President Tinubu’s position would ultimately shape the outcome. “There is no doubt that many people are interested in the position, and it is not something leaders can simply impose. But, in the end, President Tinubu has the final say, and we are waiting for his directive,” the source said.
He further noted that party leaders remain committed to the progress of Lagos State and are determined to sustain the APC’s dominance in the state, which dates back to 1999. Meanwhile, there have been reports that the APC is considering a consensus arrangement in some states ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat is said to be a leading contender, while in Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) is reportedly favoured. Similarly, Senator Sharafadeen Alli is believed to be gaining support in Oyo State. These positions were said to have emerged from a recent meeting between APC stakeholders from the affected states and President Tinubu in Lagos.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
According to the electoral timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April and May 2026, with candidates expected to emerge by the end of May.
The Electoral Act (as amended) allows political parties to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements in selecting their candidates. However, the APC has traditionally leaned towards consensus, citing its effectiveness in producing widely accepted candidates and ensuring electoral success.
