THISDAY
Femi Gbajabiamila’s recent pronouncements at the Surulere APC assembly have set tongues wagging. While addressing claims that he’s positioning himself for the 2027 governorship race, Gbajabiamila, currently President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, delivered a denial that dripped with more insinuation than outright rejection.
At first glance, his words might seem like a straightforward dismissal: “I don’t have time to think about governorship.” But Lagosians know better. In this city of intrigue, where even the smallest movement is dissected for intent, Gbaja’s carefully chosen words felt more like a politician laying the groundwork than a man uninterested in the race. It was less about denial and more about deflection.
His statement- “There are still two and a half years left – it’s still far. God Almighty knows who will become the next governor” -is a classic Lagos political manoeuvre. It leaves the door wide open while pretending to shut it. By emphasising how busy he is as Chief of Staff, Gbaja didn’t actually refute the idea of running; he only pushed the timeline down the road. It’s like saying, “Not now, but maybe later.”
What’s more, his lament about detractors “trying to pull him down” only fuels the speculation. Who, exactly, are these supposed enemies plotting against him? And why would anyone bother if Gbaja weren’t a serious contender for the Alausa crown? His political résumé – spanning Minority Whip, Majority Leader, Speaker, and now Chief of Staff – reads like a stairway to the Lagos governorship. And his detractors know it, even if he won’t say it outright.
Gbaja’s rhetorical flourish – listing his meteoric rise through the political ranks – wasn’t just an attempt to discredit rumours; it was a reminder of his unstoppable trajectory.
And let’s not ignore the irony of Gbajabiamila’s speech taking place in Surulere, his political base and the same district that propelled him to national prominence. It’s as if he wanted to remind his audience – and potential rivals – that he hasn’t forgotten where his power lies.
So, is Gbaja running? He didn’t say yes, but he definitely didn’t say no. And in Lagos politics, that’s as good as a confirmation. For now, we wait.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THISDAY
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