Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has declared that no opposition candidate can rival the experience, competence, and public service record of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obanikoro made the assertion while commenting on the political landscape and the prospects of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as preparations for the next electoral cycle gradually gather momentum.
According to the former minister, both Tinubu and Hamzat possess decades of leadership experience and a track record of governance that distinguish them from potential challengers seeking elective offices in 2027.
He argued that President Tinubu’s extensive political career—from his tenure as Governor of Lagos State to his role in shaping the country’s democratic landscape and his current administration—has equipped him with the expertise required to lead Nigeria through its current challenges.
Obanikoro also praised Deputy Governor Hamzat, describing him as an experienced technocrat and administrator whose contributions to governance in Lagos State have earned him widespread recognition.
The former minister maintained that the combination of Tinubu’s political leadership and Hamzat’s administrative competence places them in a strong position ahead of future elections.
He further contended that the opposition has yet to present individuals with comparable records of public service, governance experience, and institutional knowledge capable of matching the APC leaders.
Obanikoro’s remarks come amid increasing political discussions over the 2027 general elections, with political parties expected to intensify consultations and strategic planning in the coming months.
President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has repeatedly defended his administration’s economic and governance reforms, while opposition parties have continued to criticise some of the government’s policies and their impact on Nigerians.
Although political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections are still evolving, Obanikoro expressed confidence that the APC would remain competitive, insisting that the governing party’s leading figures possess the experience and credentials needed to retain public confidence.
His comments add to the growing debate over the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria’s major political parties as the country gradually moves toward another electoral cycle.
