Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Lagos, Nigeria — In the latest wave of political shifts ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Shakirudeen Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has formally resigned from his government position to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives. This development marks a significant moment in Lagos State politics as key members of the governor’s administration step down to contest elective offices under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) banner.
Giwa’s resignation was announced in late March 2026, ahead of the deadline set by the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC’s internal timetable for party primaries, scheduled to take place between late April and May of this year. Under Nigerian election law, political appointees who wish to contest for elective offices must vacate their positions before participating in party primaries or being nominated as candidates, a requirement that has prompted a wave of resignations across federal and state governments.
In his public announcement on social media, Giwa confirmed that he had stepped down as Special Adviser on Transportation to prepare for his campaign to represent Lagos Island II Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. In a farewell message to colleagues and stakeholders, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the state government and underscored his decision as a response to growing calls from constituents and political supporters to offer representation at the national legislative level.
Sola Giwa brings to his campaign a long history in public service and politics within Lagos State. He previously served as a lawmaker in the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Lagos Island II between 2015 and 2019, and has held several transport-related roles including Senior Special Assistant on Central Business District and membership of the state taskforce charged with managing gridlock in the Apapa port corridor. His tenure as a transportation adviser has seen him engage deeply with the challenges of urban mobility in one of Africa’s most congested megacities.
Giwa’s departure comes as part of a broader trend within the Sanwo-Olu administration. In mid-March, at least six commissioners, special advisers, and senior aides to the governor publicly declared plans to resign in order to contest a variety of legislative seats at both the federal and state levels. Among those are Kayode Roberts, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, contesting the Ojo Federal Constituency; Babajide Obanikoro, Special Adviser on Parastatals Monitoring, targeting Lagos Island I Federal Constituency; and others seeking positions in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Political analysts say that the surge in resignations reflects not only compliance with electoral rules but also a recalibration of political ambitions among technocrats and political operators within the APC. Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and a longstanding stronghold for the ruling party, will be critical in shaping the composition of the next National Assembly. Securing seats in the House of Representatives is seen as strategic for advancing legislative priorities and for cementing political influence at the federal level in the coming years.
Observers note that Giwa’s decision to shift from an advisory role in state government to a legislative candidacy highlights the evolving expectations of political leadership in Lagos. Voters in Lagos Island II and beyond are expected to place increasing emphasis on candidates’ records in governance and their ability to deliver on constituency needs, including infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities. Giwa’s campaign message, based on his transport experience and local roots, aims to convince electorates that his understanding of Lagos’ urban challenges positions him well to advocate for policies that deliver tangible benefits at the national stage.
The APC’s internal dynamics also add context to Giwa’s resignation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s national leader and Nigeria’s head of state, issued a directive requiring all political appointees who intend to contest elections to resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and promote a level playing field among aspirants. This federal signal accelerated the resignation timetable for many state and federal aides, reinforcing the statutory deadline and intensifying political activity nationwide.
Within the party, Lagos remains a focal point of political strategy, given its political weight and economic significance. The contest for federal seats in the state is already proving competitive, with multiple high-profile candidates emerging from the APC’s ranks. Party delegates and grassroots supporters are now preparing to evaluate contenders like Giwa for the primaries, where internal party endorsements, local influence, and public appeal are expected to be decisive.
Beyond the APC, the opposition parties are also gearing up for the 2027 elections, with rival political platforms seeking to tap into voter dissatisfaction on issues such as housing, traffic congestion, and public services. While Lagos has traditionally leaned toward the APC, shifts in voter preferences and demographic trends could influence outcomes in closely contested constituencies like Lagos Island II.
Giwa’s campaign launch events, early engagements with voters, and strategic alliances within the constituency will be closely watched by political commentators. His transition from a government adviser focused on transport policy to a candidate for federal office underscores a broader narrative of political renewal and the increasing prominence of local governance experience as a qualification for national representation.
As the primaries approach, Lagos Island II residents are poised to weigh Giwa’s record against the broader promises of development, accountability, and constituency advocacy that define Nigeria’s legislative agenda. Whether his experience in state administration will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but his candidacy adds a notable chapter to Lagos’ dynamic political landscape ahead of one of the most significant electoral cycles in recent memory.
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