2027 Lagos Governorship: ADC Vows to End APC’s Longtime Dominance as Mobilisation Intensifies

Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is preparing for a major political battle in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections, declaring its readiness to challenge the long-standing dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Lagos State chairman of the party, George Ashiru, said the ADC has been steadily building momentum across the state through widespread mobilisation and the integration of new members from multiple political platforms.

Grassroots mobilisation gains momentum

Ashiru said the party’s coalition efforts, unveiled in July last year, have triggered an extensive membership drive that has drawn politicians and supporters from parties including the Labour Party Nigeria, Peoples Democratic Party, APC, Social Democratic Party Nigeria, and Accord Party Nigeria.

“Well, since we’ve unveiled the coalition since July last year, we have been on a marathon mobilization, getting new members as well as integrating our partner members who have come in from other parties,” he said.

According to him, the party has maintained a consistent presence across local governments in Lagos through meetings and political activities aimed at strengthening grassroots support.

He noted that recent gatherings in three local government areas attracted more than 400 members each, describing the turnout as a sign of growing interest in the party’s platform.

‘David can defeat Goliath’

Despite APC’s long-standing grip on Lagos politics, Ashiru believes the political landscape is shifting.

“Well, they lost the last presidential election in Lagos, so it means it’s possible for David to defeat Goliath. It’s possible for Moses to defeat Pharaoh,” he said.

The ADC chairman argued that dissatisfaction with government policies could encourage voters to support alternative political platforms in the next election cycle.

“So as long as the policies of government are anti-people, overall the majority of people are going to come out to vote against the ruling party,” he added.

Building on existing political presence

Ashiru also pointed to the ADC’s current representation in Nigeria’s legislature as proof that the party already has a foothold in national politics.

According to him, the party currently has four members in the House of Representatives and one member in the Lagos State House of Assembly, a presence he believes can be expanded in 2027.

The current Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC, is expected to complete his second and final term in 2027, opening the field for new candidates across parties.

Parties yet to unveil candidates

Both the APC and ADC are yet to announce their candidates for the governorship race.

Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has scheduled party primaries to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, after which political parties are expected to formally present their candidates for the elections.