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Succession Wars Explode As Governors’ Exit Sparks Political Earthquake Across 10 States
Less than two years into the current political cycle, succession battles are already intensifying in no fewer than 10 states where governors are approaching the end of their constitutionally permitted two-term tenure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Investigations by Sunday PUNCH reveal that behind-the-scenes lobbying, subtle campaign moves, and calculated political alignments are gathering steam in states such as Lagos, Ogun, and Nasarawa, even as outgoing governors remain tight-lipped about their preferred successors.
Out of the 28 governors inaugurated following the 2023 general elections, 10 are now serving their final term. These include the governors of Oyo, Gombe, Bauchi, Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Nasarawa, Kwara, Yobe, and Adamawa. Seven of them are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while three belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While no governor has made an official endorsement, political tension is already mounting. Campaign posters are emerging, and speculation is rife about potential candidates.
In Lagos, many analysts believe that the succession race will ultimately be shaped by President Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the state and influential APC figure.
An insider within the APC confided to Punch, saying, “From experience, Tinubu doesn’t always go with the obvious choices. He tends to surprise everyone by supporting an unexpected candidate. That’s how he operates. The current contenders may just be distractions.”
Those rumored to be in contention include:
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Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat
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Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
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Senator Tokunbo Abiru
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Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila
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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa
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Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu
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Presidential aide, Muri Okunola
Despite growing speculation, APC’s state spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, stated that the party is presently focused on the upcoming local government elections.
“We’re not prioritizing the 2027 governorship contest yet,” Oladejo told Sunday Punch.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are not standing idle. Both the PDP and Labour Party (LP) have begun groundwork for the next governorship race in Lagos.
PDP’s Lagos Deputy Chairman, Tai Benedict, said the party is treading carefully in its candidate selection to avoid past blunders.
“Funso Doherty has indicated interest, but we’re re-evaluating our approach. We can’t afford to repeat the mistake made with Jandor,” he said, referring to their 2023 flagbearer, Abdul-Azeez Adediran.
The Labour Party, which gained major momentum in Lagos during the last election, is also actively building its base.
“We’re strengthening structures at the grassroots level,” LP Secretary Sam Okpala confirmed, echoing party chairperson Dayo Ekong’s strategy to intensify polling unit-level mobilization.
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