By Momodu Favour

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is intensifying internal consultations to adopt a consensus arrangement for its governorship candidates in key South-West states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Credible party sources revealed that stakeholders are favouring Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the party’s consensus candidate for the Lagos governorship race. Similarly, the Senator representing Ogun West and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Olamilekan Adeola, is being considered for Ogun State, while the Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, is tipped for Oyo State.

The development reportedly followed a high-level meeting between President Bola Tinubu and APC stakeholders from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, held in Lagos on Sunday night. The meeting came on the heels of the President’s engagement with Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Sources familiar with the deliberations described the meeting as extensive, focusing on party strategy, zoning considerations, and the selection of candidates capable of securing electoral victories in the South-West.

According to one insider, the preferred candidates emerged after careful evaluation of their political strength, acceptability, and alignment with the party’s long-standing preference for consensus candidacy.

“The choices were not arbitrary. They reflect the collective thinking of stakeholders and the President’s strategic direction for the region,” the source said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and State Assembly elections for February 6, 2027. Party primaries are expected to hold between April and May 2026, in line with the Electoral Act, which permits candidate selection through either direct primaries or consensus.

Within the APC, consensus arrangements have often been adopted to minimise internal conflicts and present a united front during elections.

Despite the reported agreement, there are indications of dissent within party ranks. In Lagos, several aspirants are still actively lobbying for the ticket, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru, among others.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is also said to be pushing for consideration, despite reports suggesting he may resign to pursue the governorship. Sources, however, indicate that he has expressed a preference to remain in office and focus on delivering the administration’s agenda.

In Ogun State, the reported endorsement of Adeola is said to be at variance with the preference of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is believed to be backing Senator Shaibu Afolabi Salisu.

Party insiders noted that efforts are ongoing to reconcile differing interests and ensure a “soft landing” for aspirants who may be affected by the consensus arrangement.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, analysts say the APC’s ability to manage internal disagreements and maintain cohesion will be critical to its electoral success in the South-West.