By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to adopt a consensus approach for selecting governorship candidates in the three Southwest states scheduled for elections in 2027, with party leaders reportedly aligning behind specific preferred candidates for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.
According to credible reports and party insiders, high-level discussions held in Lagos over the weekend and a subsequent stakeholders’ meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his private residence have favoured:
Lagos State: Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the preferred flag bearer to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
Ogun State: Senator Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) as the leading choice to take over from Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Oyo State: Serving Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the consensus candidate, effectively dealing a major setback to the gubernatorial ambition of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
The decision was reached during a meeting attended by prominent APC figures, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), as well as other key stakeholders from the three states.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
The APC leadership has consistently indicated a strong preference for consensus arrangements in selecting candidates for elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls. This strategy is aimed at minimising internal rancour, ensuring party unity, and presenting a strong, united front against opposition parties.
Party insiders told The Punch that the discussions in Lagos clearly favoured the three names mentioned above, with stakeholders coalescing around them due to factors such as experience, loyalty, low-profile style, and perceived electability.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
The reported backing for Senator Sharafadeen Alli represents a significant blow to Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s long-standing ambition to contest the Oyo State governorship. Adelabu had openly declared his intention shortly after his appointment as Minister of Power in 2023 and had been consulting across the state’s local government areas.
Alli, a 63-year-old trained lawyer and low-profile politician, is said to enjoy the confidence of party leaders due to his calm disposition, administrative experience (as former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Chief of Staff), and reputation for working quietly behind the scenes. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
Check out – Discover How to work and Earn with Dailyhustle
The emerging consensus in the Southwest is part of a larger APC strategy to manage succession smoothly in states where governors will complete their second terms in 2027. The party aims to avoid the kind of bitter primaries that could weaken its chances in the general election.
As the 2027 polls approach, more names and alignments are expected to emerge, but the Lagos meeting appears to have set a clear direction for the three key states.
Follow Us On Youtube
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
© 2026 DDNewsOnline