Lagos APC 2027: Why Many Stakeholders Believe Lagos Needs A Better Awori Man As Deputy Governorship Candidate

By Adeola Shodenide

As the 2027 Lagos governorship permutations gather momentum, the debate surrounding who becomes the next Deputy Governor has become more than a mere political calculation. It has evolved into a question of identity, grassroots legitimacy, inclusion, political balancing, and the future stability of Lagos politics.

Across Lagos West Senatorial District — particularly among Awori stakeholders, youth groups, traditional interests, and party loyalists — there is growing sentiment that the deputy governorship slot must not be reduced to a technocratic reward system, but should instead reflect deep political engagement, grassroots relevance, and emotional connection with the people.

Within this context, many stakeholders have openly questioned the suitability of Ayo Gbeleyi for the sensitive office of Deputy Governor.

While no one disputes his technocratic exposure and administrative experience, politics in Lagos has always demanded more than credentials. Lagos is not governed by bureaucracy alone; it is governed through political trust, coalition-building, grassroots loyalty, and community acceptance.

Several concerns have consistently emerged from party stakeholders and community voices:

1. Lack of Grassroots Political Connection

One of the strongest criticisms against Gbeleyi is the perception that he lacks organic grassroots political roots within Lagos West politics.

For many party loyalists, politics is not merely about occupying offices or managing finances; it is about years of visible participation in ward structures, mobilization efforts, electoral struggles, and human relationship-building.

Critics argue that Gbeleyi’s political footprint among ordinary party members remains weak compared to other longstanding Awori political figures who have consistently invested in the party structure and community development.

The concern among stakeholders is simple: can someone disconnected from grassroots realities effectively complement a governor in managing Lagos’ politically sensitive environment?

2. Perception of Technocracy Without Political Empathy

Many stakeholders acknowledge Gbeleyi’s experience in finance and public administration. However, they argue that governance in Lagos requires emotional intelligence and political accessibility, not only administrative competence.

There is a growing belief within parts of Lagos West that the state now needs a deputy governor who can:

– calm tensions within the party;
– maintain political stability;
– connect naturally with local communities;
– mediate between grassroots leaders and government;
– and sustain the progressive political family structure built over decades.

Critics fear that an excessively technocratic profile without deep political empathy could widen the disconnect between government and grassroots supporters.

3. Questions Around Accessibility and Community Presence

Some stakeholders have alleged that Gbeleyi has not maintained visible engagement with local political communities in Oshodi and broader Awori areas.

The recurring complaint is that many grassroots actors cannot point to sustained community empowerment initiatives, youth mobilization structures, or long-standing political mentorship associated with him.

In Lagos politics, visibility matters.

Party faithful often measure leadership not only by policy expertise but by physical presence during difficult political moments, responsiveness to local struggles, and investment in people over time.

This concern was echoed in recent statements by Awori stakeholders and youth organizations demanding stronger indigenous and grassroots representation in Lagos leadership.

4. The Need for an Awori Political Stabilizer

Within Lagos political history, deputy governorship selections have often been used to balance political interests, maintain regional inclusion, and prevent internal tensions.

Many Awori leaders now insist that 2027 presents an opportunity to produce not just an Awori deputy governor in name, but an authentic grassroots bridge-builder capable of stabilizing the polity and unifying factions across Lagos West.

The argument from these stakeholders is that Lagos needs:

– a tested political mobilizer,
– a consensus-builder,
– a loyal progressive with longstanding grassroots investments,
– and someone who understands the emotional and cultural realities of Awori communities.

According to this school of thought, the deputy governorship position should strengthen political cohesion — not deepen perceptions of elite imposition.

5. Politics Is About Human Capital, Not Just Résumés

A recurring argument among critics is that leadership must be evaluated beyond professional achievements.

While supporters of Gbeleyi point to his experience in finance, public enterprises, and housing administration, others argue that political leadership must also reflect:

– human capacity development,
– loyalty to party structures,
– empowerment history,
– mentorship culture,
– and sustained community relationships.

Many party stakeholders believe Lagos deserves a deputy governor with a visible legacy of lifting people politically and economically, rather than someone perceived primarily as an establishment technocrat.

6. The Risk of Alienating Core Party Loyalists

Another concern is the possible backlash from long-serving APC loyalists who believe they have labored for years within the progressive movement.

Some stakeholders fear that imposing a candidate perceived as politically detached could demoralize local structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

In Lagos politics, party cohesion has historically been one of APC’s greatest strengths. Any decision perceived as ignoring grassroots sentiment may generate avoidable resentment within the base.

7. Lagos Needs a Deputy Governor With Political Weight

The next administration will inherit major governance challenges:

– population pressure,
– infrastructure demands,
– youth unemployment,
– ethnic tensions,
– and increasing political competition.

Many analysts argue that this moment requires a deputy governor who possesses:

– grassroots credibility,
– strong political networks,
– conflict management ability,
– and the temperament to serve as a stabilizing force within government and party affairs.

For these stakeholders, the office should not merely reward technocratic excellence, but should reinforce political inclusiveness and strengthen the long-term stability of Lagos State.

Conclusion

The debate around Ayo Gbeleyi’s suitability is ultimately not just about one individual. It reflects broader anxieties within Lagos politics about representation, grassroots relevance, indigenous inclusion, and the future direction of the APC in Lagos State.

The growing calls from Awori and Lagos West stakeholders suggest a desire for a deputy governorship candidate who embodies political accessibility, humility, grassroots legitimacy, and stabilizing leadership qualities.

As Lagos moves toward 2027, many believe the state deserves a deputy governor who is not only educated and experienced, but deeply rooted in the people, trusted by the grassroots, and capable of sustaining political harmony within the progressive family.