The former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has declared that no political opponent can match the experience, competence and public service credentials of President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Hamzat is the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State for the 2027 elections.
Obanikoro, who is the Director-General of the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) Governorship Campaign Organisation, made the assertion on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Awori Nation, led by Alhaji Semiu Yusuf, during a courtesy visit to the campaign office in Lagos.
He described Tinubu and Hamzat as among the most accomplished public servants in the country, saying their combined experience in governance, administration, academia and the private sector places them far ahead of any potential challenger.
“We are fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu and Dr Kadri Hamzat as our candidates. Across Nigeria, it is difficult to find anyone with their depth of political, administrative, academic and private sector experience,” Obanikoro said.
According to him, Hamzat’s record as a commissioner, deputy governor and technocrat, coupled with his international exposure, has adequately prepared him to lead Lagos and consolidate on the state’s developmental strides.
“Our members are excited because they see in him a leader they can identify with and one who understands their aspirations. We believe he is well prepared for the task ahead,” he added.
Obanikoro also commended the Awori community in Lagos and Ogun states for endorsing Hamzat’s governorship aspiration, describing the move as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership and a demonstration of unity among the Yoruba people.
“I want to thank you for finding time to come and identify with one of your own. It is always good to promote unity within our sub-nationality and the larger Yoruba family. Standing together gives us strength and hope for greater achievements,” he said.
The former minister recalled his longstanding ties with the Awori people, revealing that his maternal roots are traced to the community and that he spent much of his childhood in Awori settlements.
“Whenever Awori is mentioned, it brings back nostalgic memories. I am proud of that heritage and I will always identify with the Awori people,” he said.
He assured the community of his continued support, pledging to remain accessible to initiatives aimed at advancing the interests of the Awori people and Lagos State.
Earlier, Awori Nation leader Alhaji Semiu Yusuf said the organisation had resolved to mobilise grassroots support for the re-election of President Tinubu and the emergence of Hamzat as Lagos governor in 2027.
Yusuf said the group would intensify voter registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, political sensitisation and community engagement across Lagos, Ogun and the diaspora to boost participation in the electoral process.
He added that the organisation would also continue to promote youth and women’s participation in politics while advocating policies that enhance education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation, employment and economic development across Aworiland.
In his remarks, Mr Ademola Popoola thanked the Awori Nation for its solidarity with the KOH Campaign Organisation, describing the visit as a significant step towards strengthening support for Hamzat’s governorship aspiration and progressive governance in Lagos State.
(The Sun)