2027 Guber: Hamzat Appoints Obanikoro as Campaign DG
2027 Guber: Hamzat Appoints Obanikoro as Campaign DG
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has appointed former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, as Director-General of his campaign organisation ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The appointment is already generating political attention across the state, as it is widely interpreted as a strategic move to strengthen Hamzat’s emerging political structure ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive race.
Obanikoro, a veteran politician with deep roots in Lagos politics, is expected to coordinate the overall campaign machinery, including stakeholder engagement, grassroots mobilisation, and strategic outreach across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Political analysts say the choice of Obanikoro is significant, given his long-standing experience in governance and his extensive political network across different blocs within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His appointment is seen as part of efforts by Hamzat to build a broad-based coalition capable of reaching key demographic groups, including party structures, community leaders, youth organisations, market associations, and professional bodies.
Observers note that the move reflects early positioning as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes amid increasing political realignments within the Lagos APC, where consultations and internal discussions are already ongoing regarding succession plans for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is considered one of the leading aspirants for the governorship seat, with growing support from segments of the party hierarchy, grassroots groups, and various socio-political organisations.
Sources close to the campaign indicate that the newly constituted organisation will focus on articulating Hamzat’s governance vision for Lagos, strengthening engagement with stakeholders, and consolidating support within the APC structure.
The campaign is also expected to prioritise inclusive outreach, targeting youth groups, women associations, trade unions, market leaders, and professionals across the state.
Political observers argue that Obanikoro’s appointment is aimed at reinforcing grassroots mobilisation and expanding the campaign’s influence across Lagos communities.
They also suggest that the move positions Hamzat early in the race for the APC governorship ticket, as internal party negotiations and alliances begin to take shape.
With less than a year to the formal start of major election activities, attention is increasingly shifting toward alliances, endorsements, and political calculations that will shape the 2027 governorship contest in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
Analysts say the coming months are likely to witness intensified political engagements as key stakeholders position themselves ahead of the succession battle.
