JUST IN: Hamzat Appoints Obanikoro Campaign DG For 2027 Lagos Governorship Race
THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election in Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, has appointed former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana and ex-senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his campaign ahead of the election in the state.
The appointment, which was announced at an expanded meeting of the campaign council, is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu when his tenure ends in 2027.
TGM gathered that the decision to place Obanikoro at the helm of the campaign structure received broad support from key stakeholders within the Lagos APC. Party insiders disclosed that the appointment was endorsed during consultations involving influential figures in the party, reflecting confidence in Obanikoro’s political experience and organisational capacity.
Obanikoro brings decades of political experience to the role. He has served in several strategic positions, including Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture in Lagos State, Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Minister of State for Defence, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Widely regarded as one of the most experienced political figures in Lagos, Obanikoro has remained a notable force in the state’s political landscape despite his movement across different political platforms over the years. His appointment is expected to bolster grassroots mobilisation efforts and enhance the campaign’s outreach strategy across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Political observers believe Hamzat’s choice of Obanikoro reflects a determination to leverage the former minister’s extensive political network and electoral experience as the APC begins to consolidate support ahead of the election cycle.
The development comes amid growing momentum surrounding Hamzat’s governorship ambition. The Lagos State deputy governor has increasingly emerged as a leading contender within the APC following endorsements from influential party leaders and stakeholders.
Earlier this year, the influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC), widely regarded as the highest decision-making organ of the Lagos APC, reportedly adopted Hamzat as its preferred aspirant for the governorship contest. The move was interpreted by political analysts as a significant boost to his ambition and a signal of growing acceptance within the party hierarchy.
Hamzat, an engineer and technocrat, has served as deputy governor since 2019 and has been actively involved in the administration of Lagos State under Governor Sanwo-Olu. Supporters have cited his experience in governance, public administration and policy implementation as key factors underpinning his emergence as a strong contender for the state’s top office.
The appointment of Obanikoro as campaign director-general is expected to play a critical role in shaping the APC’s electoral strategy, coordinating campaign activities, mobilising party supporters and managing stakeholder engagement as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship election.
With the race gradually taking shape, political watchers say the coming months will likely witness increased consultations, alliances and mobilisation efforts among aspirants and political parties seeking to position themselves ahead of the crucial contest for control of Nigeria’s commercial capital.