Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has appointed Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as Director-General of his 2027 governorship campaign, consolidating his push for the APC ticket with backing from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and key elders of the Governance Advisory Council.
Hamzat’s campaign structure crystallized after he submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, May 29, 2026.
Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence and Lagos PDP governorship candidate in 2007, was present alongside Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Rep. James Faleke, and other APC leaders during the submission.
Obanikoro has emerged as the face of Hamzat’s pre-primary consultations, appearing in nearly every strategic meeting since April 13. He accompanied Hamzat to visits with 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.
At Gbajabiamila’s residence, Obanikoro formally introduced the campaign’s scope. “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”.
Speaking at Obasa’s residence, Obanikoro declared: “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”.
Announcing his form submission on X, Hamzat said: “Today, I submitted my expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 gubernatorial election. This journey is about service, responsibility, and building a Lagos that works better for every family, every business and every resident”.
He added: “We have made progress together, but there is still more to do. I am stepping forward with experience, purpose and a deep belief in the future of our state”.
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.
Speaker Obasa has repeatedly declared the race over. “Hamzat is APC candidate, next Lagos governor,” he said Thursday during Hamzat’s visit. “I had discussions with those that matter, but the conclusion is that Hamzat will carry the banner of the party… Hamzat’s candidature has been sealed”.
Gbajabiamila told Hamzat: “Dr. Hamzat, you’re a man of honour… I am saying it publicly that you can take me for granted because I have confidence in your ability and capacity. So, take my support for granted. My constituency, Surulere, is for you and Lagos is for you”.
APC Lagos Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi said: “We support you, we trust you, and we are very confident of your competency and humility”. The Lagos NLC and TUC also endorsed him at the 2026 Workers’ Day rally.
GAC earlier purchased Hamzat’s nomination form after endorsing him as consensus candidate. The form was signed by 120 APC leaders from the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. Former aspirant Jandor and ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode have withdrawn in his favour.
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.
Hamzat is framing 2027 as a referendum on continuity. “The truth of the matter is that if Lagos fails, Nigeria will have problems and we must not fail,” he told APC leaders.
“We must ensure that what happened in 2023 should not happen again in 2027. We must ensure a resounding victory for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the next election and ensure a similar victory for APC in Lagos”.
He accused opponents of “trying to de-market our election, simply because they cannot win”.
