Research Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Femi Otubanjo, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu still maintains overwhelming political influence in Lagos State, especially regarding decisions surrounding who eventually emerges as governor of the state.
Otubanjo made the remarks during an interview on Arise News while discussing political structures in Lagos and ongoing conversations surrounding possible successors to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ahead of future governorship contests.
During the interview, the professor addressed speculations linking Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat with future governorship ambitions in Lagos State, noting that any serious political calculation in the state would ultimately depend on Tinubu’s position.
According to him, the president’s influence within Lagos politics remains unmatched because of the long-standing political network and structure he has built over the years.
“If President Tinubu does not choose one person in Lagos to be governor and does not say ‘this is the person I want,’ then nobody, all the one billion people cannot upturn his decision,” Otubanjo said during the interview.
The professor explained that political leadership in Lagos has historically revolved around strong influence from Tinubu, who is widely regarded as the central figure in the state’s political structure.
“Once he identifies and supports a candidate, it becomes extremely difficult for any opposition within the party to stop that person,” he stated.
He argued that despite the presence of various political interests and groups within Lagos, the final direction of governorship politics often depends on the preference of the former Lagos governor.
“His structure in Lagos is extremely solid. People may debate publicly, but when it comes to the final political decision, his influence is usually decisive,” Otubanjo added.
According to the professor, Tinubu’s political dominance in Lagos was built over decades through strategic alliances, loyal party structures, and consistent influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Otubanjo noted that the president’s role in determining political outcomes in Lagos has continued even after his transition from state politics to national leadership.
He further stated that the political system in Lagos reflects the broader pattern of strong political personalities influencing party structures and electoral outcomes across Nigeria.
“The parties are not fully democratic because powerful individuals still determine who gets what in many situations,” he said.
The comments come amid growing political discussions over possible succession plans in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 election cycle, with several names already being mentioned in political circles as potential governorship aspirants.
Political observers have continued to speculate about the future of the state’s leadership, particularly because Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s most politically and economically significant states.
Analysts say endorsements from influential political leaders often carry enormous weight in determining electoral outcomes, especially in states where political structures are tightly controlled by dominant figures.
Otubanjo argued that the situation in Lagos demonstrates how personality-driven politics still shapes democratic processes in many parts of the country.
According to him, internal party democracy in Nigeria is frequently overshadowed by the authority of political leaders who possess the power to influence candidate selection and political direction.
“The reality is that many political parties in Nigeria still revolve around individuals rather than institutions,” he stated……See More
Leave a Reply