Tunde Lemo and the Ogun 2027 Equation: Banking Expertise Meets Governorship Ambition

 Tunde Lemo and the Ogun 2027 Equation: Banking Expertise Meets Governorship Ambition

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State is gradually taking shape, and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Tunde Lemo, has stepped forward as one of the early figures signaling interest in the race.

Lemo declared his intention on Wednesday while participating in the APC ward congress at Ward 12, Ita-Agemo, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta. His presence at the grassroots political exercise underscored both party engagement and a calculated entry into the unfolding 2027 contest.

The accomplished banker explained that his decision is driven by a desire to fast-track grassroots development across the state. He noted that Ogun is richly endowed with agricultural potential that requires focused and capable leadership to harness effectively for the benefit of the people and the broader economy.

Welcomed by enthusiastic party members, Lemo emphasized unity within the party and described the APC as cohesive and forward-looking.

“I don't want to canvass personal position here, but my presence here today is to underscore the fact that APC is an organic party. You can see the crowd, and we are members of one family. You have not seen anybody fighting. 

"We are very strong and very vibrant, and people are happy because of the transformative agenda of President Bola Tinubu, but at the same time, we are building the base, because today we are having the ward congresses, and from there, of course, we move up to the National Congress. So I'm very, very excited that we have very loyal party members.”

He attributed the peaceful conduct of the ward congresses to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the exercise was designed to solidify unity and strengthen party structures from the grassroots upward.

While careful not to turn the congress into a campaign rally, Lemo openly acknowledged his governorship ambition.

“I don't want to canvass for personal position here, but you all know who I am, and you know what I've been trying to do. But by the special grace of God, it is about governance. It's about raising the bar and ensuring the best for our people, and that's what we're doing, and by the special grace of God, we will get there.

“Yes, of course, I have my eyes on 2027 just like everyone else, but everything is in the hands of God.”

Lemo also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as a strong developmental trajectory for the state, particularly highlighting the creation of the Agro-Cargo Airport, which has received approval to commence commercial flights.

With his declaration, Lemo’s transition from monetary policy leadership to state-level politics now becomes part of Ogun’s unfolding 2027 equation — a contest that will test how technocratic experience translates into political capital.