Political analyst Oni Olalekan has raised concerns over emerging political signals ahead of the next governorship election in Lagos State, pointing to what he described as early campaign positioning within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, Olalekan said the political atmosphere in Lagos is already heating up, with subtle but notable indications of potential alignments and endorsements beginning to surface across the state.
During the interview, he stated, “We have seen posters of Akinwunmi Ambode and Seyi Tinubu as deputy governor in Lagos State,” using the observation to highlight what he believes are early attempts to shape voter perception ahead of formal political announcements.
The mention of Akinwunmi Ambode and Seyi Tinubu in such political materials has sparked discussions about possible realignments within Lagos’ political structure, although no official declarations have been made by either figure.
Olalekan explained that the circulation of posters, even if unofficial, often serves as a strategic tool in Nigerian politics, used to test public reaction and gauge the acceptability of potential candidates before formal entry into the race.
He noted that while such materials do not confirm candidacies or endorsements, they often reflect internal political negotiations and the influence of powerful political blocs within the state.
“These kinds of posters are not random. They are usually part of a larger strategy to introduce names into the political space and observe how the public responds,” he said.
According to him, the appearance of Ambode’s name in political discussions suggests that the former governor still holds significant relevance in Lagos politics despite being out of office since 2019. His administration remains a reference point in discussions about governance and infrastructural development in the state.
Similarly, the inclusion of Seyi Tinubu in speculative political materials has fueled conversations about the continued influence of the Tinubu political dynasty in Lagos and beyond. Analysts say this reflects the enduring political weight of the family within the APC structure.
Olalekan emphasized that such developments should be closely watched, as they may signal the beginning of realignment efforts ahead of the next electoral cycle. He suggested that early political messaging often sets the tone for more formal campaigns later in the process.
He also cautioned against dismissing such signals outright, arguing that Nigerian politics is often shaped by early positioning and behind-the-scenes negotiations rather than sudden announcements.
“Politics is not always about what is officially declared. Sometimes, it is about what is being tested in the public space long before the elections begin,” he added.
The analyst further observed that Lagos politics has historically been highly strategic, with political actors leveraging influence, branding, and public perception to build momentum well before party primaries….See More
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