LAGOS:  The political landscape in Lagos State is reportedly on the verge of a significant transformation following claims that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been advised to resign on health grounds. This move would facilitate the ascension of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to the governorship to complete the administration’s current term. 

Sources within the Presidency suggest that the transition is driven by high-level dissatisfaction with the current Lagos leadership. If finalized, the arrangement would not only see Hamzat serve out the remainder of the tenure but also position him as a potential frontrunner for a full four-year term in the 2027 elections.

Deepening Rifts and Political Realignments

While no official statement has been released, the development underscores an intensifying recalibration of power within the state. According to reports, tensions have escalated in recent months due to several key factors:

• Allegations of Insubordination: Governor Sanwo-Olu has reportedly faced internal party criticism regarding the alleged consolidation of independent political structures, viewed by some as a challenge to the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

• Legislative Disputes: The Governor has been linked to past efforts to unseat the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. President Tinubu reportedly intervened in early 2025 to facilitate Obasa’s reinstatement following a brief impeachment, citing concerns over executive interference in legislative affairs.

• Alleged Financial Misconduct: Relations were further strained following an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation into Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, an associate of the Governor. Reports surfaced alleging that funds linked to the Governor’s allies were funneled to opposition leaders during the 2023 elections—claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vehemently denied.

Land Allocation and Regulatory Scrutiny

In mid-2025, the Presidency reportedly expressed significant displeasure over the management of high-value real estate in Lagos. Federal investigators have been probing alleged land racketeering involving approximately 96 hectares of land in prime locations, including Banana Island and Lekki.

The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate has officially requested records from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development regarding questionable allocations to 14 private companies. The investigation focuses on:

• Conspiracy and money laundering.

• Abuse of office regarding shoreline development permits.

• The validity of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in infrastructure corridors.

In response to these findings, President Tinubu ordered the immediate revocation of approvals for unauthorized islands and developments on federal road setbacks during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road in June 2025.

Outlook for 2027

Should the reported resignation proceed, it would represent one of the most consequential leadership shifts in the history of Lagos State. Analysts suggest that such a move would have far-reaching implications for party unity, the continuity of ongoing infrastructure projects, and the strategic positioning of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the next general election cycle.

As of now, the Lagos State Government has not issued a formal rebuttal to these specific reports regarding the Governor's status.