The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Lagos State is expected to have a relatively smooth campaign, according to political analyst Omotayo Yusuf. In an exclusive interview, Yusuf stated that Obafemi Hamzat, the current deputy governor, is likely to face little serious opposition from his main rival, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Yusuf expressed skepticism about Rhodes-Vivour's chances, suggesting that his candidacy may be more about maintaining visibility than mounting a credible challenge.
Hamzat's Long Preparation and Potential Term Limits
Yusuf emphasized that Hamzat has been groomed for the governorship for many years. However, he raised questions about whether APC leaders would allow Hamzat to serve a full eight-year term, which would extend his time in power to 16 years when combined with his current deputy role. Yusuf noted that this could be a point of contention within the party, and only time will reveal the true plan.
APC's Dominance and Opposition Dynamics
The APC, which evolved from the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has held power at the national level since 2015 after defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this, opposition parties like the ADC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have vowed to unseat the APC in the 2027 general elections. Yusuf, however, dismissed Rhodes-Vivour as a serious threat, stating that he is merely participating to maintain his status as a perennial candidate.
In related news, President Bola Tinubu's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, recently urged ADC lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain with the party, amid internal leadership disputes between factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark. This development highlights the ongoing challenges within the opposition.
