Seyi Tinubu’s Lagos Governorship Plan Hits Snag As Ambode Eyes Political Return

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With the 2027 Lagos State governorship election approaching, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode is reportedly re-entering political calculations, potentially delaying Seyi Tinubu’s ambitions until 2031.

The race is shaping up to be highly competitive, featuring prominent aspirants, emerging power blocs, and an increasingly engaged electorate concerned about the state’s future leadership.

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has gained attention as a prospective candidate, with youth and diaspora groups—including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and The Future Platform—urging him to declare his interest.

Despite these calls, Seyi has yet to make any formal announcement, and there is no public endorsement from his father. This situation has reportedly left the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a key 30-member decision-making body led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, in a strategic dilemma.

Sources told Daily Post that the GAC is considering Ambode’s return to complete a second tenure as governor, creating an opportunity to postpone Seyi Tinubu’s entry into the race until 2031. Ambode, who fell out with Lagos APC leaders ahead of the 2019 elections, was denied the party’s ticket and lost the primary to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who subsequently won the governorship.

A source close to the GAC explained that bringing Ambode back would maintain party continuity and provide a smoother transition for Seyi Tinubu in the future.

Party Leaders Advise Seyi Tinubu to Hold Back

Although Seyi has expressed early interest in contesting, party leaders reportedly advised him to stay low-profile and focus on supporting his father’s 2023 re-election.

“His ambition was seen as a possible distraction to his father’s second-term objectives, given the growing opposition,” Segun Badejo, an APC chieftain in Gbagada, told Daily Post.

This guidance reportedly influenced the delay in Seyi’s declaration, with a consensus emerging within the GAC that 2031 would be a more strategic entry point for his governorship bid.

There is also rising discontent in Epe, Ambode’s home district, where locals feel marginalized after his 2019 ouster. Notably, past Lagos governors—Tinubu, Fashola, and Sanwo-Olu—hail from Lagos Island, making Ambode the only governor from Epe denied a second term. This has sparked calls for Epe’s political inclusion.

Despite subsequent appointments of Tunji Alausa from Epe as Health and Education Minister, residents continue to demand that either Alausa or Ambode succeed Sanwo-Olu in 2027.

“The people of Epe have been politically sidelined, and they insist on representation with a native governor,” said a senior APC stakeholder in Ogba, Ikeja.

The sources stressed that the decision is not intended to block Seyi Tinubu but to provide him a more stable platform for a future race in 2031.

“The party wants to avoid distractions that could affect 2023 outcomes and believes Ambode or Alausa have a stronger chance of carrying the APC in 2027,” a source added.

Crowded Field for 2027

The 2027 governorship race is already drawing heavyweights, including President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Tokunbo Abiru, and Abdul-Azeez Adediran, known as Jandor.

A community leader, Olumide Balogun, told Daily Post, “It’s time for the Epe people to have a voice. Either Tunji Alausa or Ambode should be the next governor.”

Observer Edafe Oghenebrume warned that failing to field a candidate from Lagos West Senatorial District could lead to electoral challenges, noting the region’s historic marginalization since 1999.

Currently, only Jandor—a former PDP aspirant who joined the APC in October 2025—has officially declared his ambition.

“I want to bring fresh ideas that blend experience with innovation,” Jandor said in an interview with Channels Television. “With solid backing from the President and the party in Lagos, I believe I can deliver results that meet the people’s needs.”