By Bello Isiaka
Former Lagos State Head of Service and current Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola was today in attendance as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Abuja.
It is not unusual for the PPS to the President to attend such meetings principally to take notes but speculation is rife following the release of pictures of the meeting where Muri-Okunola was clearly seen.
Muri-Okunola is believed to be one of the main contenders for the top Lagos job in 2027.
He has not formally confirmed his interest in running to become the next Governor but various political groups have been activated and working to promote Muri-Okunola’s candidacy both online and offline.
Unconfirmed reports are indicating that Muri-Okunola has been “anointed” as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s successor but there are other potential candidates within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
They include former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; current Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Akinmade Ayinde; Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa; Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru; and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Other potential candidates are Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; a Member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu, Hon Jimi Benson; former Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Dr Jide Adediran; son of the President, Seyi Tinubu; and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
