Tunde Lemo Enters 2027 Ogun Gubernatorial Race

​The political landscape of Ogun State shifted gears this week as Dr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and erstwhile Managing Director of Wema Bank, officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.

​Running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lemo made his ambitions known during the party’s ward congresses held at Ward 12, Ita-Agemo, Isale-Igbein in Abeokuta on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. Addressing a spirited crowd of supporters in the heart of Egbaland, the veteran financier emphasized a vision built on economic sustainability and grassroots empowerment.

​A Vision for Economic Transformation

​Lemo, an accomplished accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), signaled that his administration would prioritize the state’s comparative advantages—specifically agriculture and industrialization.

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​“It’s about raising the bar and ensuring the best for our people. By the special grace of God, we will get there. I have my eyes on 2027 just like everyone else, but everything is in the hands of God,” Lemo stated.

​During the congress, Lemo lauded the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and praised the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun for infrastructure projects like the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport. He noted that his entry into the race is to “leverage vast experience” to ensure these foundational projects translate into direct economic benefits for the grassroots.

​Political Implications

​Lemo’s entry adds a heavyweight intellectual and financial profile to the APC’s internal selection process. Known for his tenure at the CBN where he oversaw the Financial Systems Surveillance directorate, his candidacy is expected to appeal to the state’s technocratic class and the business community.

​As the race to succeed Governor Abiodun intensifies, Lemo’s declaration from Ogun Central sets the stage for a high-stakes primary, particularly as debates regarding zoning and professional competence begin to dominate the Gateway State’s political discourse.