Why Talks Abiru May Become Next Gov Of Lagos Are Floating Around

Talks are emerging that Senator Tokunbo Abiru may become the next Governor of Lagos State when the incumbent, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, completes his second term in 2027. Abiru, who is currently 60 years old and represents Lagos East in the Senate, is being considered for the position due to several factors.

One of the primary reasons cited is Abiru’s pedigree, political stability, and the significant support he enjoys from the political elite. He is a former Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, a financial institution that was nearly acquired by Google Finance—an independent arm of the global tech giant Google—due to its strong digital presence with the VULTe platform.

Abiru’s background in banking and finance, along with the successful turnaround he achieved at Polaris Bank, is particularly appealing at a time when financial reforms and infrastructure development are sorely needed amid a challenging economic climate are the claims of those throwing up his name.

Supporters highlight his financial expertise and political experience as critical assets for managing the vast resources of Lagos State.

After transitioning from banking to politics, Abiru won the Lagos East Senate seat in December 2020 on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the death of the previous officeholder, Bayo Osinowo, the famous politician popularly known as “Pepper.”

Since then, Abiru has enjoyed political stability, making intentional efforts to connect with grassroots communities through various empowerment programs. These initiatives include skill development, financial support, and the provision of equipment, which have helped solidify his relationship with his constituents. His rise in politics – further enhanced by his financial expertise – led to his appointment as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, cementing his status as a top player within Lagos politics.

While some critics point to Abiru’s limited public charisma as a potential weakness compared to more traditional politicians, others argue that it is a strength. They believe his quiet demeanor signals that he lets his actions speak for themselves. His sustained grassroots engagement and empowerment programs, which began during his campaign, continue to bolster his image among partmen and voters.