Powerful forces within the Lagos All Progressives Congress are reportedly working behind the scenes to halt any attempt by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to contest the Lagos governorship in 2027, insisting that such a move would be politically dangerous and publicly unacceptable.
According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria dated January 15, 2026, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC)—the influential 30-member decision-making bloc of the Lagos APC—has resolved that Seyi Tinubu should wait until 2031 before pursuing any governorship ambition. The body is said to be worried about the optics and backlash of a scenario where Tinubu remains president while his son governs Lagos, a development insiders fear would fuel accusations of dynastic rule and further inflame opposition sentiment.
Party sources disclosed that Seyi Tinubu, 40, has instead been advised to concentrate on mobilising youths, diaspora networks and grassroots structures in support of President Tinubu’s expected 2027 re-election bid, while keeping personal political ambitions in check to avoid becoming a liability to the administration.
In what appears to be a strategic alternative, GAC power brokers are also reportedly considering a political comeback for former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who served between 2015 and 2019 before losing the APC ticket to Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a controversial primary. The plan, insiders say, is to present Ambode as a “bridge candidate” in 2027—a move that would restore political balance, address zoning grievances and buy time ahead of a possible Seyi Tinubu run in 2031.
Ambode’s name is gaining traction largely because Epe division, his home base, remains the only IBILE zone—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe—yet to enjoy a full eight-year governorship tenure since 1999. Party strategists believe allowing Ambode a second term could calm long-standing resentment within the district and strengthen APC unity ahead of a difficult election cycle.
The former governor’s political estrangement from Tinubu in 2018, which led to his denial of a second term amid allegations of disloyalty and internal rebellion, is said to be easing. Multiple reconciliation efforts, previously led by senior APC figures and former national leaders, are believed to be yielding results, with renewed calls for “forgiveness and continuity” gaining momentum within party ranks.
Meanwhile, Seyi Tinubu’s rising profile has continued to stir debate. Though he has not formally declared interest, youth groups, diaspora organisations and political platforms have openly endorsed him, arguing that he possesses the credentials and grassroots appeal to lead Lagos. However, many APC stakeholders remain uneasy, warning that an early push could fracture the party, provoke voter backlash and undermine Tinubu’s long-standing reputation as a master political strategist who avoids unnecessary risks.
As of now, neither President Tinubu nor his son has issued any public statement on the matter. But within Lagos APC circles, the message from GAC appears firm: 2027 is not the time for a Tinubu dynasty experiment. Whether this calculation holds or unravels under political pressure could determine the shape of Lagos politics for the next decade.
