Lagos State Deputy Governor, 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.
Gatekeepers News reports that the appointment is seen as a major step in strengthening Hamzat’s political structure as preparations for the race to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu begin to gather momentum.
Obanikoro, a veteran politician with decades of experience in governance and Lagos politics, is expected to oversee campaign operations, stakeholder engagement, grassroots mobilisation and strategic outreach across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Political analysts say the choice of Obanikoro underscores Hamzat’s determination to build a strong political machinery capable of attracting support from diverse demographic and political groups across Lagos. His extensive network and long-standing involvement in the state’s political landscape are expected to enhance the campaign’s reach and effectiveness.
The development comes amid increasing political consultations and realignments within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where Hamzat is said to be enjoying growing support from influential party leaders, youth groups, professional bodies and grassroots stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Observers note that the contest to succeed Governor Sanwo-Olu is gradually taking shape, with key political actors already engaging in consultations, alliance-building and strategic positioning.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is widely regarded as one of the leading aspirants for Lagos State’s top office, leveraging his background in public service, technology, governance and policy development.
Sources familiar with the campaign said the newly constituted organisation will focus on promoting Hamzat’s vision for Lagos while deepening engagement with community leaders, market associations, youth and women groups, professionals and party members. The campaign is also expected to prioritise consolidating support within the APC structure.
Political observers believe the appointment of Obanikoro signals Hamzat’s intention to run a broad-based and inclusive campaign that combines grassroots mobilisation with strategic stakeholder engagement.
They argue that the move could further strengthen his standing within the APC as the contest for the party’s governorship ticket gains momentum. With major political activities expected to commence ahead of the 2027 elections, attention is likely to remain focused on emerging alliances, endorsements and political calculations that will shape the future leadership of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
