Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a prominent figure within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly expressed strong confidence in the party’s ability to secure both the presidential and Lagos State governorship elections in 2027. His declaration, made on November 13, 2026, signals an early assertion of the party’s readiness for the next electoral cycle.
Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, attributed his optimism to the perceived achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level and the ongoing developmental strides of the Lagos State Government. He stated that these accomplishments have significantly endeared the APC to the electorate, positioning the party favourably for the upcoming polls.
Specifically, Obanikoro pointed to the federal government’s efforts under President Tinubu and the work of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat in Lagos. His comments suggest a belief that these administrations have delivered tangible benefits to citizens, which will translate into electoral support when Nigerians head to the polls again.
Political Calculus Ahead of 2027
Senator Obanikoro’s pronouncement comes at a crucial juncture in Nigeria’s political landscape, with campaigning for the 2027 general elections already gathering momentum. As a seasoned politician with extensive experience in Lagos and federal politics, his endorsement holds weight within the APC and among party loyalists.
The former minister’s confidence rests on the premise that the APC has effectively tackled governance challenges and initiated reforms that resonate with the populace. At the federal level, President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on ambitious economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of exchange rates. While these policies have faced initial challenges and criticism regarding their impact on living costs, the government maintains they are necessary for long-term economic stability and growth. Obanikoro’s statement implies a belief that the benefits of these reforms will become more apparent by 2027, swaying public opinion.
In Lagos, the Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat administration has focused on extensive infrastructure projects, urban renewal, and public transportation initiatives. These efforts, visible across the metropolitan state, are often cited by APC stalwarts as evidence of effective governance. The administration’s handling of various social and economic interventions is also expected to form a core part of its re-election campaign.
Such early declarations of confidence are common in Nigerian politics, serving to rally party members, project an image of strength, and potentially discourage opposition challengers. For the APC, Obanikoro’s statement reinforces the party’s resolve to retain power at the centre and consolidate its stronghold in Lagos, a key economic and political hub.
The 2027 elections are expected to be highly contested, with opposition parties already strategising to challenge the incumbent APC. While Obanikoro’s remarks reflect an internal party perspective, they set the stage for intensified political activities, debates over governance records, and strategic realignments among political actors in the coming months. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also play a crucial role in setting the framework and timeline for these elections.
As the political calendar progresses, more figures from various political divides are expected to make similar predictions and declarations, shaping the narrative towards the next general elections. Obanikoro’s assertion, as reported by Vanguard News, serves as an early indicator of the APC’s campaign strategy, focusing on incumbent performance as its primary electoral asset.
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