Hamzat Names Obanikoro as Campaign Director

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has named former High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director‑General of his 2027 campaign.

The decision was announced during an expanded meeting of the campaign council, which Hamzat chaired on Wednesday.

THISDAY reports that the appointment had been pre‑approved by President Bola Tinubu before it was made public by Hamzat at the council meeting.

Sources within the council said the choice was based on Obanikoro’s extensive experience as a veteran politician and election strategist who has been tested in various roles.

All council members reportedly had no objections, describing the former senator for Lagos Central as a collaborator they could work with.

Obanikoro, regarded as one of the most seasoned politicians in the state, has held numerous elective and appointive positions. He served as Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, was appointed Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture by Governor Bola Tinubu in 1999, and later served four years before being elected senator.

After losing the Lagos governorship race on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, he was appointed High Commissioner to Ghana. He has also held junior ministerial roles twice, first as Minister of State for Defence and then as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

With deep roots in Lagos politics, past leadership of the Justice Forum, and strong name recognition, Obanikoro is expected to bring a wealth of experience, competence, and capacity to steer the party toward electoral success in the state.