Why Ambode Should Not Return in 2027

The picture below was found circulating online. It showed Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Dr Babafemi Hamzat on the left and right of Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, a powerful member of the Governor Advisory Committee (GAC). The picture is both amusing and thought-provoking because it captures the mood of the moment and invites a deeper reflection on leadership succession in Lagos State. While humour often softens serious conversations, it also reveals underlying sentiments about political timing and fairness.

Against this backdrop, a return bid by some recyclers of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode is neither a sensible agenda nor the most appropriate course at this time in Lagos State, for five key reasons.

First, governance is anchored on performance cycles, not entitlement. A second term is a privilege, not a right. Having served four years, Akinwunmi Ambode has already had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Lagos development. Allowing a competent Muslim leader such as Obafemi Hamzat the opportunity to serve would strengthen democratic culture, prevent over-concentration of power, and broaden the pool of ideas and competencies available to the state.

Second, the same political establishment that once projected Akinwunmi Ambode as a transformative leader and the harbinger of a new Lagos later reassessed his suitability and replaced him with Babajide Sanwo-Olu. While some view his removal as debatable, the fact remains that the party made a clear strategic decision at the time. This shift reflects internal evaluations and political realities that cannot be overlooked when considering a return bid.

Third, Ambode contested at the party primaries but lost. In democratic systems, primaries are decisive mechanisms of legitimacy. Losing that contest, signals the party’s preferred direction. This reality is reinforced by the fact that, Ambode was abandoned by key stakeholders, his deputy governor, commissioners, traditional rulers (obas), and even those now repackaging and projecting him for a return. Notably, even Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a central political figure in Lagos, ultimately withdrew support. This underscores the depth of the political disconnect he faced and raises legitimate questions about the sustainability and coherence of any renewed bid.

Fourth, the political space that could have accommodated his second term has effectively been occupied. The tenure of Babajide Sanwo-Olu has already taken up that opportunity, leaving little justification for a return on that basis. At this stage, many stakeholders argue that it is the turn of the Muslim community within the state’s informal power-sharing arrangement. Notably, Lagos has a deep bench of capable and politically experienced figures. Alas! if ten credible contenders are required, they are readily available, including Obafemi Hamzat. We say no to recycling past mandates.

Fifth, Lagos politics has long been guided by an unwritten principle of religious balancing between Christian and Muslim stakeholders in this vibrant, cosmopolitan state. By this convention, many argue that it is currently the turn of Muslim leadership, especially given the pool of capable contenders. In this context, the political class should be cautious not to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council in the same manner as was witnessed during the Ambode episode. The stone that was once rejected as a “useless bride” cannot suddenly be repackaged as a “beautiful bride” overnight. Tjus questionable call is hypocrisy, injustice, and marginalisation of the Muslim community.

As a guiding principle reminds us: “Justice consists not only in fair treatment but in equitable opportunity for all stakeholders.”* In this light, fairness suggests widening participation rather than recycling leadership prematurely.

I have no issues with Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. He remains a respected figure, a transformational Governor, humble gentleman, and silent achiever. He is arguably more intelligent than many of his contemporaries! However, leadership timing matters, and he was, unfortunately, betrayed by political vultures who complicated his tenure. As the Bible states, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV). His season, it appears, has passed. There is no need for a cacophony to articulate this position; it is now the time of the Muslim community.

Dr Lukman Raimi is an entrepreneurship educator, legal researcher, public intellectual, and passionate advocate for good governance.

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