APC weighs consensus candidates for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo governorship races; three names lead

The All Progressives Congress is considering a consensus approach in selecting its governorship candidates for Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states ahead of the 2027 elections, with three names emerging from ongoing consultations among party leaders.

Party insiders say Obafemi Hamzat, Olamilekan Adeola and Sharafadeen Alli are currently leading discussions as preferred candidates in their respective states.

The development follows a meeting of South-West stakeholders held in Lagos and hosted by Bola Tinubu, where party strategy and succession plans in the region were reviewed ahead of the next electoral cycle. Sources familiar with the deliberations said the meeting included governors, lawmakers and senior party officials who weighed the popularity and political structures of potential aspirants.

Among those present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other influential figures within the party.

The consultations come as the Independent National Electoral Commission prepares for the 2027 elections, with party primaries expected to hold between April and May 2026. The Electoral Act permits parties to adopt either consensus arrangements or conduct direct primaries in choosing candidates.

In Lagos, Hamzat’s name has gained traction among stakeholders, although multiple aspirants remain in contention. These include Gbajabiamila, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode and other political figures within the state chapter. Sources say efforts are underway to manage competing interests and reach a broadly acceptable outcome.

In Ogun State, Adeola’s emergence appears to have created differing positions within the party, with indications that Governor Abiodun favours an alternative aspirant. Party leaders, including Olusegun Osoba, are said to be involved in ongoing consultations aimed at resolving the differences and maintaining cohesion.

In Oyo State, Alli is reported to enjoy wider acceptance among stakeholders, with sources describing him as a unifying figure across party factions. Other aspirants, including Bayo Adelabu, are still in the race, though concerns have been raised about internal divisions and electoral prospects.

Discussions at the Lagos meeting also touched on possible arrangements to accommodate other aspirants through alternative positions, as part of efforts to secure consensus and limit post-primary disputes.

The APC has historically leaned toward consensus in candidate selection, a strategy party officials argue reduces internal conflict and strengthens electoral chances. However, the approach continues to attract criticism from observers, including the Nigerian Political Science Association and the Coalition of United Political Parties, who caution that such processes must remain transparent and inclusive to avoid being seen as imposition.