Fresh political signals have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as party leaders intensify moves to adopt consensus candidates for key governorship races in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Credible sources revealed that the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Senator Olamilekan Adeola; and Senator Sharafadeen Alli are being considered as preferred consensus candidates for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states respectively.
The development is said to have followed a high-level meeting of APC stakeholders with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. The President had hosted top party figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, and key political actors, where strategic discussions on the party’s 2027 roadmap took centre stage.
Sources familiar with the deliberations disclosed that the meeting was extensive, with leaders weighing political strength, grassroots appeal, and electoral viability before narrowing down on the trio.
“The names emerged after thorough consultations and reflect the collective thinking of stakeholders based on popularity and political structure in their respective states,” a source noted.
Consensus Strategy Gains Momentum
The APC is increasingly leaning toward consensus candidacy as a strategy to maintain unity and avoid divisive primaries. The Electoral Act permits both consensus and direct primaries, but the ruling party has historically favoured negotiated agreements to streamline its internal processes.
Party insiders say efforts are ongoing to ensure that aspirants who may step down under the arrangement are adequately compensated through alternative positions, including National Assembly tickets.
State-by-State Dynamics
In Lagos, while Hamzat is gaining traction, several influential figures are still in the race, suggesting that consultations are far from over.
In Ogun, Adeola’s emergence is reportedly generating mixed reactions, particularly among loyalists of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is believed to favour another contender. This has opened the door for further negotiations within the state’s power blocs.
Oyo presents a slightly different picture, as Alli is said to enjoy broader acceptance among party stakeholders. His candidacy is also believed to have the backing of respected traditional authority, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja.
However, the political equation in the state remains delicate. Other strong aspirants, including Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, continue to test their strength, even as concerns persist over internal divisions and electoral viability.
Consultations Continue
Despite the emerging consensus, party sources stress that discussions are still ongoing, with wider consultations expected to secure buy-in from all stakeholders.
A crucial meeting involving Oyo APC leaders is expected in Abuja later this month to fine-tune arrangements, particularly around compensations and final alignments.
Observers note that while consensus can foster unity, it also risks sparking internal dissent if not transparently managed.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the APC appears determined to balance political pragmatism with party cohesion—setting the stage for what could be a defining electoral contest in the South-West.
