2027 Lagos Guber: Hamzat Appoints Obanikoro As Campaign DG After Tinubu’s Backing

The race for the 2027 Lagos governorship election gathered fresh momentum after APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat appointed former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro as the Director-General of his campaign organisation.

Hamzat reportedly announced the appointment during an expanded meeting of the campaign council held in Lagos, signaling an early move to consolidate political structures ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.

According to reports, President Bola Tinubu personally endorsed Obanikoro’s appointment during a recent meeting with APC stakeholders and party officials in Lagos State.

The president was said to have expressed confidence in Obanikoro’s political experience and ability to coordinate a statewide campaign, citing his long record in public service and grassroots politics.

Obanikoro remains one of Lagos’ most recognisable political figures, having served in several strategic positions across both state and federal governments. His political journey includes serving as Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture during Tinubu’s administration as governor in 1999.

He later represented the Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Senate after winning election in 2003 before moving into diplomatic service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana in 2008.

The veteran politician also served in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, first as Minister of State for Defence and later as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Obanikoro’s appointment is already generating political conversations because of his deep political network in Lagos and his previous governorship ambition under the Peoples Democratic Party before eventually aligning with the APC.

Political observers say the move could strengthen Hamzat’s campaign machinery as the ruling party begins positioning itself early for the battle to retain control of Lagos State in 2027.