Unexpected Contender: Why Tunji Alausa May Be Lagos’ Next Governor
In Lagos politics, power rarely follows the obvious path. The loudest contenders may fade into the background, while those once overlooked may emerge victorious. Dr. Tunji Alausa, a technocrat with no grassroots political base, is fast becoming the name to watch for in Lagos’ 2027 gubernatorial race.
Alausa is not a career politician. His background is in medicine, where he built a successful career in nephrology before being appointed Minister of State for Health. His transition to Minister of Education was unexpected, but it positioned him closer to the corridors of power, increasing his visibility in national politics.
The League of Concerned Lagosians (LCL), a formidable political pressure group, recently endorsed him. This was not an isolated event. It was a signal—one that many within the All Progressives Congress (APC) now recognize. The Lagos political elite rarely make public moves without a calculated plan
Lagos has a history of electing governors who were once political outsiders. Babatunde Fashola was a Chief of Staff before he became governor. Akinwunmi Ambode was an accountant. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was a bureaucrat. Alausa fits this pattern—a candidate chosen by kingmakers, not by populist demand.
Some might question whether a technocrat like Alausa can navigate Lagos’ complex political terrain. But governance in Lagos has never been about popularity alone. It is about securing the trust of those who hold the levers of power. So far, Alausa appears to have their backing.
If his candidacy gains further momentum, it will reshape the political landscape. Other aspirants may find themselves sidelined as the APC machine quietly aligns itself behind him. If history is a guide, endorsements like these often precede formal party nominations.
The 2027 race is still in its early stages, but Lagosians should pay attention. Alausa may not be the name most expected, but in Lagos politics, the unexpected often becomes inevitable. Whether he succeeds or not, his rise may be signalling a shift in the state’s political calculations.
