Ex-CBN Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo Eyes Ogun State Governorship in 2027
Tunde Lemo, a veteran of Nigeria's financial sector, has thrown his hat into the ring for Ogun State's top political office ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who served from 2009 to 2014, overseeing Financial System Stability, cited a deep sense of duty to contribute to public service as his motivation. Lemo highlighted Ogun's untapped opportunities in industry, agriculture, and logistics, arguing that effective leadership could harness these through smart policies, fiscal discipline, and public-private collaborations.
Lemo's career spans high-stakes roles in banking oversight and reforms, including stints at First City Monument Bank and as Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation. He plans to channel this background into addressing Ogun's core needs: boosting manufacturing hubs, creating jobs for young people, and upgrading roads, power, and rail networks. Ogun's strategic location bordering Lagos—Nigeria's economic powerhouse—and its status as a manufacturing leader (home to over 5,000 factories per Ogun State government data) position it for explosive growth under stable governance.
Business leaders may welcome Lemo's entry, given his track record in fostering investor confidence during turbulent economic times.
Key Pillars of His Proposed Agenda
Lemo outlined early priorities without a full platform yet: enhancing Ogun's economic edge via skills training and tech hubs, revamping education to align with job markets, and optimizing internally generated revenue (IGR), which hit ₦120.6 billion in 2023 according to Ogun's audited accounts, while easing taxpayer pressures.
Analysts view this move as a savvy early play in Ogun's competitive political arena. Such declarations gauge voter mood, rally supporters, and set the stage for party nominations. With major parties like APC and PDP yet to finalize candidates, expect a crowded field in this southwestern powerhouse.
Lemo's financial savvy could reshape Ogun's trajectory, but translating boardroom wins into votes will test his appeal in the Gateway State's diverse electorate.
