Despite Tinubu’s Backing, Obanikoro’s Senatorial Ambition In Big Trouble!

The verdict is in.

The ambition of former minister Musiliu Obanikoro to return to the Senate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress is in troubled waters.

Obanikoro recently defected to the ruling party from opposition People’s Democratic Party.

As a very visible member of the PDP, he served as a Senator, Ambassador, and Minister when the party was in charge of the Federal Government.

Obanikoro reportedly dumped the party which lost power in the last general election in the midst of intense corruption allegation against him by the new administration.

He allegedly defected to the party in charge of new government – as allegations against him fizzled out – based on “pact” between him and powerful APC promoter Asiwaju Bola Tinubu he would return to the Senate.

Obanikoro who served as a Senator under the PDP representing Lagos Central wants to return to the Senate as the face of Lagos West.

He has started underground campaign to actualize this ambition.

And there is the problem sources disclosed.

Insiders revealed a groundswell opposition against Obanikoro in the race to clinch the Senatorial ticket is on.

“And it is very intense” a source stated.

Obanikoro faces strong opposition from powerful interests in the area including incumbent Senator Solomon Adeola, hardcore loyalists of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other influential party members in the area who believe helping Obanikoro actualize his political ambition is certainly not a good reward for loyalty to the party and the Tinubu political family.

Though said to have dropped ambition to occupy the same opposition as well, governor Rauf Aregbesola is said to be keen on installing a “loyal and obedient” supporter as Lagos West Senator.

There are talks in some quarters Governor Ambode who is seeking to establish a statewide political clan of his own is not too down with the Obanikoro agenda as well.

The governor’s body language is said to be fuelling his supporters opposition against the former minister‘s ambition as well.

A source disclosed that an eye-opener was the recent clash between his supporters and those of incumbent Senator seeking to become the governor of Ogun state, Solomon Adeola.

The incident which transpired at the recently Lagos West political gathering which endorsed Governor Ambode for another term in office was described as “explosive” by eye witnesses.

Both Adeola popularly called Yayi and Obanikoro were present at the venue as supporters attempted to triumph their popularity with all manners of theatrics and abusive songs.

Supporters of other interests were said to have sided with those of Yayi against Obanikoro’s at the occasion.

“It was a representation of raging underground fight against obanikoro” a source stated.

Checks, however, revealed the former minister remains undeterred.

Emboldened with assurances from Tinubu, he is said to be prosecuting a campaign that would help him become party candidate and win the main election – in the face of all the adversities.