APC Stakeholder Group Endorses Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Signals Early Power Play Ahead of Governorship Race!

Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi(Journalist) |Sele Media Africa.

A prominent stakeholder group within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly endorsed Hakeem Muri-Okunola as a preferred candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, in what analysts describe as an early indication of shifting political alignments within the state.

The group, identified as a coalition of party loyalists and grassroots mobilizers, called on Muri-Okunola popularly known as HMO to step forward and offer himself for public service, citing his administrative experience, technocratic profile, and longstanding involvement in Lagos governance.

Muri-Okunola, who previously served as the Head of Service in Lagos State, is widely regarded as a key figure in the state’s civil service architecture. His tenure was marked by reforms aimed at improving efficiency, digitization, and workforce management. Supporters argue that his deep institutional knowledge positions him as a capable successor in a state often seen as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.

In a statement released to the press, the APC-aligned group emphasized the need for continuity in governance, urging party stakeholders to rally behind individuals with proven administrative competence. “Lagos requires tested leadership with a clear understanding of its complex governance structure. Hakeem Muri-Okunola represents that blend of experience and innovation,” the statement read.

The endorsement comes amid growing speculation over potential contenders for the 2027 governorship race in Lagos, a state that has remained under APC control since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Political observers note that early endorsements, though unofficial, often serve as strategic positioning tools within Nigeria’s highly competitive party system.

While Muri-Okunola has yet to publicly declare any intention to run, his name has increasingly surfaced in political discourse, particularly among technocratic and reform-oriented blocs within the APC. His perceived closeness to influential political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has further fueled speculation about his viability as a candidate.

However, the road to the Lagos governorship remains complex. Analysts caution that internal party dynamics, zoning considerations, and broader electoral calculations will ultimately determine the APC’s candidate. Lagos politics is historically shaped by consensus-building among party elites, as well as the influence of key political structures.

Opposition parties are also expected to intensify their strategies ahead of 2027, particularly following increasingly competitive elections in recent cycles. The outcome of the governorship race is likely to have broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, given Lagos’ strategic economic and demographic significance.

Political analysts highlight that endorsements at this stage should be viewed within the broader context of intra-party negotiations rather than definitive candidacies. “What we are witnessing is the early phase of coalition-building,” said a Lagos-based political analyst. “Endorsements like this help test public perception and consolidate internal support.”

As the political climate gradually warms up toward 2027, attention is expected to remain on emerging figures like Muri-Okunola, whose technocratic background contrasts with the more traditional political pathways of past governors.

For now, the endorsement underscores a growing appetite within sections of the APC for a candidate perceived as capable of sustaining Lagos’ development trajectory while navigating its evolving governance challenges.

Sources:
Channels Television, Premium Times, The Punch, Vanguard Nigeria, The Guardian Nigeria

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

www.selemedia.org