By Staff Reporter
March 24, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly considering a consensus arrangement that could see Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerge as its governorship candidate in Lagos State for the 2027 elections, alongside Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) in Ogun and Senator Sharafadeen Alli in Oyo, following high-level consultations among party stakeholders.
Stakeholders’ Meeting and Emerging Choices
The development is said to have followed a strategic meeting between President Bola Tinubu and key APC stakeholders from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states in Lagos on Sunday night. The meeting came shortly after the President hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Sources familiar with the deliberations indicated that the discussions focused on early preparations for the 2027 general elections, including candidate selection and party strategy.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April and May 2026.
Consensus Strategy Gains Traction
The APC is said to be leaning towards consensus candidacy, a method permitted under the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended). Party insiders argue that the approach has historically enhanced unity and improved electoral success rates.
A source privy to the Lagos meeting disclosed that the names of Hamzat, Adeola, and Alli emerged after extensive deliberations that considered their popularity and political structures within their respective states.
Key Stakeholders in Attendance
Those present at the meeting reportedly included Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); as well as the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zaccheaus Adedeji, among other party leaders.
Internal Contestations and Compensation Plans
Despite the emerging consensus, sources acknowledged dissenting views among aspirants. Party leaders are said to be working on a “soft landing” strategy to compensate affected contenders and maintain internal cohesion.
In Lagos, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa is reportedly still lobbying for the ticket, although he has denied plans to resign from office. Other aspirants include Gbajabiamila, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and several high-profile political figures.
In Ogun State, Adeola’s emergence is believed to conflict with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s preference for Senator Shaibu Afolabi Salisu. However, former Governor Olusegun Osoba is said to oppose that position, further complicating internal alignments.
Oyo Dynamics and Alli’s Advantage
In Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli appears to enjoy broad support among party stakeholders and traditional leadership, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The meeting also reportedly considered Representative Remi Oseni as a strong contender due to his grassroots appeal. However, a proposal to offer him the Oyo South senatorial seat as compensation was discussed to consolidate support for Alli.
Sources further indicated that Alli may be encouraged to serve a single term, allowing for power rotation beyond the Ibadan zone in 2031.
Concerns Over Adelabu’s Prospects
Deliberations also addressed the candidacy of Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, with concerns raised over his perceived lack of statewide popularity and internal party divisions.
His previous electoral performances, including a third-place finish in the 2023 governorship election, were cited as indicators of limited electoral strength. Party insiders reportedly advised caution regarding his potential bid.
Next Steps and Ongoing Consultations
Stakeholders from Oyo State are expected to reconvene in Abuja on March 27 to finalize compensation arrangements and build consensus ahead of formal declarations.
Sources emphasized that consultations remain ongoing and that the reported decisions are not final, as the party continues efforts to secure buy-in from all aspirants nationwide.
Debate Over Consensus Politics
While APC leaders defend consensus as a practical tool for unity, critics argue that the process often veers into imposition.
President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Professor Hassan Saliu, warned that genuine consensus must reflect collective agreement, not coercion. Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties noted that imposed candidacies could undermine internal democracy.
APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, maintained that the party remains open to both consensus and primary elections, stressing that aspirants retain the right to contest.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the APC’s evolving strategy underscores a delicate balance between party unity and democratic inclusiveness. Whether the emerging consensus candidates will secure broad acceptance within the party remains a key question in the months ahead.
