Obanikoro Rules Out Lagos Governorship Ambition, Says Focus Is Now Mentoring Young Nigerians

Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has declared that his ambition to become Governor of Lagos State is no longer part of his political plans, saying he is now committed to mentoring younger Nigerians and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Obanikoro made the disclosure during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, where he reflected on his political journey and future aspirations.

The former minister, who is 66 years old, said the time had come for experienced politicians to shift their attention from seeking elective office to guiding younger Nigerians.

According to him, mentoring has become more important because many traditional structures that once shaped values and leadership have weakened over the years.

“It is completely off the table,” Obanikoro said while responding to questions about any possible governorship ambition. He added that his focus is now on helping prepare the younger generation for leadership responsibilities.

He noted that young Nigerians must recognise that the future of the country rests in their hands and urged them to remain patient while building the experience needed to lead.

Obanikoro also expressed concern over what he described as the collapse of the family structure and the decline in societal values, insisting that experienced leaders have a responsibility to provide guidance and support for emerging leaders.

The former Lagos Central senator recalled his unsuccessful bid for the Lagos governorship in 2007, when he contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party after defecting from the Alliance for Democracy.

He challenged the outcome of that election, maintaining that he believed he won despite the official declaration of Babatunde Fashola of the Action Congress as the winner.

“I also believe that we won that election, but you know Nigeria, it is what it is,” he said.

Asked whether he regretted contesting against the political structure of former Lagos governor and current President Bola Tinubu, Obanikoro said he had no regrets.

He explained that, at the time, his only objective was to become governor because he believed he had ideas that would benefit Lagos State.

Obanikoro is now a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and was recently appointed Director-General of the governorship campaign of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 election.