Obanikoro Explains Why Tinubu Lost Lagos During the 2023 Presidential Election
Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has offered his perspective on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election, attributing the outcome primarily to public concerns over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket rather than the popularity of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
Obanikoro made the remarks during an interview on Mic On, a podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye. According to him, the decision by the APC to field Tinubu and former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, created anxiety among many Christian voters in Lagos and influenced voting patterns in the state.
He argued that the religious composition of the APC ticket became a significant issue during the campaign, with some voters expressing concerns that the arrangement did not reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity. Obanikoro maintained that this sentiment played a more decisive role in Tinubu’s defeat in Lagos than the influence of Peter Obi or the Labour Party’s campaign.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket generated nationwide debate ahead of the 2023 general election. While the APC defended the choice, insisting that competence and electoral strategy informed the decision, critics argued that the ticket failed to reflect the country’s religious balance and could alienate sections of the electorate.
In the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Tinubu suffered a surprise defeat in Lagos, his political stronghold, with Peter Obi emerging victorious in the state. The result marked the first time Tinubu had lost a presidential election in Lagos, a state widely regarded as the foundation of his political influence.
Despite losing Lagos, Tinubu secured enough votes across the country to win the presidential election and was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023. Political analysts have continued to debate the factors behind the Lagos outcome, citing issues such as religion, youth mobilisation, voter demographics and the growing popularity of the Labour Party in urban areas.
Obanikoro’s comments have reignited discussions about the political dynamics that shaped the 2023 election and the lessons political parties may draw as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections. His remarks have also sparked fresh debate on the influence of religion in Nigerian politics and its impact on voting behaviour.
As political stakeholders continue to assess the 2023 election, the Lagos result remains one of the most closely analysed outcomes, with observers viewing it as a reflection of changing voter preferences and evolving political realities in Nigeria.
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