The Deputy Governor of Lagos State and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has appointed former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his campaign for the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
The appointment was announced during an expanded meeting of the campaign council as the Hamzat political structure continues to consolidate ahead of the APC governorship primary and the 2027 general elections.
The development comes days after Hamzat formally submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, May 29, 2026, signaling his readiness to contest for the state’s top office.
Senator Obanikoro was among the prominent party leaders who accompanied Hamzat to Abuja for the submission of the nomination forms, alongside Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Hon. James Faleke, and other influential APC stakeholders.
Since the commencement of statewide consultations on April 13, Obanikoro has played a prominent role in Hamzat’s political engagements, emerging as one of the leading figures driving the campaign’s strategic direction.
He has accompanied the deputy governor on several high-level visits to key political leaders and stakeholders, including the leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and respected political leaders and elders across the Ikorodu Division.
In recent weeks, Hamzat has intensified consultations with members of the GAC, the APC State Working Committee, party leaders, and influential political groups across various divisions of the state, including Ikorodu, Mushin, and Surulere, as part of efforts to broaden support for his governorship aspiration.
Political observers view the appointment of Obanikoro as a significant boost to the Hamzat campaign, given his extensive political experience, grassroots appeal, and longstanding influence within Lagos politics.
A former ambassador, two-term senator, and seasoned political strategist, Obanikoro is expected to deploy his vast network and political reach to strengthen alliances, mobilize support, and help unite key stakeholders behind Hamzat’s bid to become the next Governor of Lagos State.
