2027: Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo Joins Ogun Governorship Race, Promises 'Inclusive Administration'

Banking veteran declares interest at APC ward congress, pledges to unlock agricultural potential and accelerate grassroots development

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, adding his name to what is expected to be a competitive race for the All Progressives Congress ticket.

Lemo made his declaration Wednesday during the APC ward congresses at Ward 12, Ita-Agemo, Isale-Igbein in Abeokuta, the state capital. The banking veteran framed his ambition as a mission to accelerate grassroots development and unlock Ogun's vast agricultural potential through effective leadership .

'It's About Governance'

Addressing party faithful, Lemo struck a humble tone while making his intentions clear. "I don't want to canvass for a 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," he said .

He promised an inclusive administration if given the opportunity and reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, emphasizing that his focus is on "raising the bar and ensuring the best for our people" .

When pressed on his 2027 ambitions, Lemo remained measured: "Yes, of course, I have my eyes on 2027 just like everyone else, but everything is in the hands of God".

A Party United

Lemo attributed the peaceful conduct of the ward congresses across the state to what he described as the "transformative policies" of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He characterized the exercise as a step toward strengthening party unity ahead of higher-level congresses leading to national conventions .

"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," Lemo said .

Praise for Abiodun

The former CBN deputy governor took time to commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for the agro-cargo airport project, which has secured approval for commercial operations. He described the facility as a key milestone in the state's progress—a notable endorsement of the incumbent governor's signature initiative .

Who Is Tunde Lemo?

Lemo served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2003 to 2013, spanning the tenures of former governors Charles Soludo, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir of Kano), and Sarah Alade (acting). During his decade at the apex bank, he oversaw financial system stability and played key roles in banking sector reforms .

A trained economist with a PhD from the University of Ibadan, Lemo has also held board positions in various corporate organizations and maintained active involvement in community development initiatives in Ogun State. His entry into the governorship race brings substantial technocratic experience to what is likely to be a crowded APC primary .

The Road Ahead

Lemo's declaration adds to a growing list of aspirants eyeing the Ogun State Government House. While he did not directly position himself against any opponent, his emphasis on agricultural transformation and grassroots development signals the themes that will likely define his campaign .

With the APC still conducting ward and local government congresses, the race for the party's nomination remains in its early stages. But Lemo's stature as a former central banker with decades of experience in economic management positions him as a significant contender—one whose "eyes on 2027" will be watched closely by party stakeholders and voters alike.