Three prominent APC aspirants and President Bola Tinubu’s appointees, Femi Gbajabiamila, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Dr Tunji Alausa, are out of the governorship race in Lagos, having missed the March 31 deadline to resign from their positions.

This opens up the APC ticket, with former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat emerging as frontrunners. Other contenders include Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Babjimi Benson.

Reports suggest President Tinubu backs Hamzat, but Ambode’s candidacy has strong public support. The situation is fluid, with stakeholders advising against dismissing public sentiment.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Tayo Akinmade Ayinde is in the running for APC’s Lagos West Senatorial ticket, while Obasa may retain his Speaker position.

The stage is set for a heated battle for the APC ticket, with eyes on developments ahead.