APC Build-Up: Obanikoro Leads Hamzat Campaign Organisation

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has strengthened his emerging 2027 governorship structure with the appointment of former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as Director-General of his campaign organisation.

Epe Insights reports that the appointment comes shortly after Dr. Hamzat formally submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, May 29, 2026.

The development signals a major step in the consolidation of Hamzat’s political ambition as he intensifies consultations within the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Lagos State.

Senator Obanikoro, who previously served as a PDP governorship candidate in Lagos in 2007 before joining the APC in 2017, has been actively involved in Hamzat’s strategic engagements.

He has accompanied the Deputy Governor to several high-level political consultations with key stakeholders across party structures and governance institutions.

These engagements include visits to leaders of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), APC executives, and senior government officials within Lagos State.

Among the political figures consulted are Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and leaders across Ikorodu, Mushin, and Surulere divisions.

During one of the engagements, Obanikoro described Hamzat’s support base as expanding and increasingly solid across political blocs in the state.

He also commended Hamzat’s experience in governance, noting that he is well-positioned for leadership at the state level.

At a separate meeting with Speaker Obasa, Obanikoro further expressed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to sustain development and strengthen governance outcomes in Lagos.

Dr. Hamzat, in a post on his official X handle, described his governorship aspiration as a continuation of public service and commitment to improving governance delivery.

He noted that while significant progress has been recorded in Lagos, more efforts are required to deepen development and enhance service delivery.

Since April 2026, the Deputy Governor has intensified consultations across political stakeholders, party executives, and grassroots structures.

His campaign structure is reported to be gaining support from key APC stakeholders, including influential members of the Governance Advisory Council.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has also publicly endorsed Hamzat’s ambition, describing him as a strong and capable candidate within the party.

Party leaders across Lagos have continued to express confidence in his leadership experience and long-standing role in state administration.

The Governance Advisory Council is also believed to be playing a central role in early political alignments ahead of the 2027 primaries.

Political analysts say Obanikoro’s inclusion strengthens Hamzat’s outreach, given his experience across both PDP and APC political networks.

Campaign insiders indicate that the strategy focuses on party unity, stakeholder consolidation, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

Hamzat has repeatedly emphasized continuity in governance, institutional strengthening, and development sustainability as key pillars of his agenda.

He has also called for unity within the APC, urging members to work collectively toward electoral success in 2027.