A political support group, Lagos Diaspora for Hamzat 2027, has thrown its weight behind the appointment of former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, as Director General of the campaign organisation of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat.
The group described the appointment as a strategic political decision capable of strengthening grassroots mobilisation and consolidating the campaign structure ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Ayodeji Tinubu, the organisation said Obanikoro’s wealth of political experience and long-standing involvement in Lagos politics make him the right person to coordinate the campaign machinery.
The diaspora-based group, made up of Lagosians residing across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, expressed confidence that the former senator possesses the leadership qualities and political network required to galvanise support for Hamzat’s political ambition.
According to the statement, Obanikoro’s appointment signals seriousness, political maturity, and readiness to build a formidable structure capable of engaging voters across all levels in the state.
The group noted that the former minister has remained a prominent political figure in Lagos over the years, having served in several strategic positions, including senator representing Lagos Central and minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
It added that his understanding of the political dynamics of Lagos State, combined with his experience in governance and grassroots mobilisation, would significantly boost the campaign’s outreach efforts both within Nigeria and among Lagosians in the diaspora.
“His appointment is a strategic and timely move that reflects the campaign’s commitment to building an inclusive and formidable political structure ahead of the 2027 elections,” the statement read.
The group further stated that Obanikoro’s track record in public service and electoral politics places him in a strong position to coordinate stakeholders, mobilise supporters, and foster unity among various political interests backing Hamzat’s emergence.
Lagos Diaspora for Hamzat 2027 also described the deputy governor as a competent administrator with the capacity to sustain developmental initiatives and deepen governance reforms in the state.
The organisation said many Lagosians abroad have continued to monitor political developments in the state and remain interested in supporting leaders they believe possess the experience and vision to move Lagos forward.
It added that the endorsement of Obanikoro was not merely symbolic but reflected the confidence of diaspora supporters in the evolving campaign structure being assembled ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Political observers say the endorsement may further strengthen speculations surrounding the political future of Hamzat, who has increasingly been mentioned in discussions ahead of the 2027 governorship contest in Lagos.
Although no official declaration has been made regarding Hamzat’s governorship ambition, recent political alignments and endorsements by support groups have continued to fuel conversations about possible succession plans within the state’s political landscape.
Analysts also believe the involvement of experienced political figures such as Obanikoro could play a crucial role in shaping alliances and broadening the campaign’s acceptance across different political blocs in Lagos.
The endorsement comes amid growing political activities and consultations among major stakeholders in Lagos as parties and aspirants gradually position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
