As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the political landscape in Lagos State is witnessing renewed maneuvering among established parties and emerging contenders.

While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retains a dominant position in the state’s political architecture, opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are attempting to reposition themselves to challenge the ruling party.

At the same time, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is signalling interest in expanding its footprint beyond its traditional South-East base.

Political observers say the contest for power in Lagos ahead of 2027 is likely to revolve around two competing narratives.

For the APC, the central argument will focus on the continuity of a governance model it credits with transforming Lagos into Nigeria’s economic hub. The party’s entrenched political structures, incumbency advantage, and long-standing networks across the state remain significant assets.

Opposition parties, particularly the PDP, are expected to campaign on a platform of political change, seeking to capitalise on perceived governance gaps and the socio-economic pressures facing residents.

Meanwhile, APGA may attempt to leverage emerging political openings in urban constituencies, although breaking the APC’s entrenched dominance in Lagos will remain a considerable challenge.

APC confident of retaining control

Commenting on the standing of the Lagos APC and its prospects for the 2027 election, the party’s spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, expressed confidence that the party would retain power beyond the next electoral cycle.

According to him, the APC has earned public trust over the years through what he described as performance-driven governance and people-centred policies.

He said the party enjoys support across several segments of society, including youth groups, market associations, professional bodies, community leaders, and religious and traditional institutions.

“This coalition strengthens APC’s political reach across Lagos’ diverse population. Hence, the party remains confident of retaining its dominant position in the state,” he said.

Assessing the party’s strengths and grassroots mobilisation capacity, Oladejo noted that the APC maintains a strong institutional presence in Lagos.

“The APC controls the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, maintains a majority in the State House of Assembly, and holds significant representation at the federal level.

“The party’s enduring popularity stems from the progressive governance model initiated under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and sustained by successive administrations. This governance tradition has delivered major investments in infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare and economic development,” he said.

According to him, the party’s campaign narrative ahead of 2027 will be anchored on continuity, stability and the delivery of measurable development outcomes.

“The APC has led Lagos’ transformation into Nigeria’s leading economic hub through reforms in taxation, transportation, urban development and digital governance.

“The party maintains one of the most extensive political networks in Nigeria, with functioning structures at ward level, across Local Government Areas (LGAs), Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as well as at the state and federal levels. These structures ensure that the party remains connected to communities across the state,” he added.

Oladejo, however, acknowledged that the ruling party faces certain internal and external challenges.

“As a large and dominant party, there is often intense competition among aspirants for elective positions. Managing these ambitions while maintaining unity remains a continuous priority.

“Opposition parties are also attempting to reorganise ahead of the 2027 elections and are seeking to mobilise around dissatisfaction in certain urban constituencies.

“Lagosians also have high expectations regarding infrastructure, housing, traffic management, and cost of living. Meeting these expectations remains essential for sustaining public trust,” he said.

He noted that the party had already intensified grassroots engagement ahead of the election.

“The APC in Lagos has begun consolidating its ward and local government structures to ensure active engagement with voters across communities.

“Ultimately, the 2027 elections will be decided on performance, ideas, and the ability to deliver results for the people of Lagos,” he said.

PDP: Repositioning as an alternative

The PDP, one of the major opposition parties in Lagos, says it is repositioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Dr Christopher Odianarewo, said the PDP remains a time-tested alternative for Lagos residents.

According to him, while third-force movements often emerge during election cycles and fade afterwards, the PDP has maintained a consistent presence.

“As we approach 2027, our standing is one of strategic repositioning. We have spent the last year undergoing a rigorous internal reset, cleaning up our administrative processes and reconciling our leadership structures.

“We are not just jostling for a seat; we are preparing to govern. The current economic climate in the state, characterised by high levies and rising cost of living, has made people more receptive to our message of inclusive governance,” he said.

Odianarewo argued that after more than two decades of one-party dominance, many Lagos residents were seeking political alternatives.

“Our strength lies in being the voice for the unheard majority. Despite the APC’s grip on state resources, the PDP maintains a functional presence in every ward and Local Government Area in Lagos.

“We are attracting a new generation of young professionals and grassroots activists who are tired of politics as usual,” he added.

He said the party had adopted a grassroots strategy for the 2027 elections.

“The 2027 election will not be decided in elite boardrooms but in the streets of Lagos, where ordinary people live.

“We have commenced engagement programmes across the 245 wards in Lagos. We are listening to the needs of artisans, market women and young technology professionals across communities such as Alimosho and Ikorodu,” he said.

APGA eyes expansion in Lagos

The APGA, traditionally strong in the South-East, has also indicated interest in expanding its influence in Lagos politics.

Speaking at a forum in Lagos, the party’s National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, described APGA as a progressive party and said it was considering fielding candidates for the Lagos governorship and State House of Assembly elections in 2027.

He said the party had developed sufficient membership structures in the state to participate in the contest.

“If you want to see what APGA can do, go to Anambra State. We are ready to replicate this in Lagos and other states of the federation,” he said.

Ezeokenwa also noted that APGA maintains political structures across the state, including ward, local government and state committees.

Emerging governorship ambitions

Across party lines, individual political actors have also begun signalling interest in the 2027 governorship race.

One of them is Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who has reiterated his intention to contest the Lagos governorship election under the APC.

His early declaration reflects the gradual intensification of political activities as aspirants begin positioning ahead of party primaries.

Jandor has framed his ambition around governance reforms, administrative efficiency and leadership capacity, while calling for broader political engagement ahead of the election cycle.

Other figures within the APC whose governorship ambitions are being speculated about include the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; and Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru.

Within the PDP, Engineer Funsho Doherty and Prince Adelaja Adeoye are among the prominent figures linked with the party’s potential governorship ticket for 2027. (Nigerian Tribune)

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