Lagos State Deputy Governor and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s election, Obafemi Hamzat, has appointed former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, as Director-General of his campaign organisation.
Obanikoro’s appointment was announced as Hamzat submitted his nomination form in the company of key APC leaders, including Ganiyu Solomon, James Faleke and other party stakeholders.
A former chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and ex-Commissioner for Home Affairs, Obanikoro is regarded as a seasoned politician with extensive knowledge of Lagos politics and governance.
Popularly known as “Koro Ibo” among his supporters, the former minister is expected to bring his political experience and grassroots network to the Hamzat campaign ahead of the governorship election.
He has been part of Hamzat’s pre-primary consultations, appearing in nearly every strategic meeting since April 13.
The former minister was the chairman of the electoral committee that supervised the governorship primary in Kwara State.
He is bold, brave, confident, affable and commands a mastery of strategy.
Obanikoro accompanied Hamzat to visit GAC leader Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and Ikorodu division elders including ex-Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and ex-Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe.
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At Gbajabiamila’s residence, Obanikoro said: “I can confidently tell the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu that the level of endorsement has been overwhelming”, he said, while soliciting Gbajabiamila’s support for Hamzat as a “seasoned politician well grounded in Lagos politics”.
At House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s residence, he said: “Any sincere mind that can interrogate the pedigree of Hamzat will know that Lagos is in good hands. Lagos must not decline, but must grow higher and higher, and with Dr. Hamzat to be at the helm of affairs, Lagos will continue to soar higher and higher”.
Hamzat began political consultations on April 13 and has since met GAC members, the APC State Working Committee, Speaker Obasa, Senator Solomon, and political bases in Ikorodu, Mushin, and Surulere. He was recently endorsed by President Tinubu, Gov. Sanwo-Olu, and the Governor’s Advisory Council.
Obanikoro brings cross-party reach and grassroots machinery. A former PDP chieftain, ambassador, and two-time senator, he defected to APC in 2017. His presence signals Hamzat’s attempt to unify old PDP structures, Justice Forum, and Mandate Group blocs.
He told party leaders Hamzat’s pedigree ensures “Lagos will continue to soar”.
Other campaign figures include, GAC Secretary Mutiu Are, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Bode Oyedele, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, and Hakeem Shittu.
