Real Reason Tinubu Lost Lagos in 2023 Election Revealed – Ex-Defence Minister Obanikoro

• Former Defence Minister Musiliu Obanikoro has claimed that President Bola Tinubu lost Lagos in the 2023 presidential election because of fears surrounding the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election was caused by concerns over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket, rather than the popularity of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Obanikoro said many Lagos voters feared that a Muslim-Muslim presidency would sideline Christians.

“Let me tell you, what defeated us in Lagos was the Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Peter Obi. People were afraid because they didn’t know what Tinubu’s presidency will look like,” he said.

According to Obanikoro, the fears proved unfounded, arguing that President Tinubu has not governed along religious lines.

“People thought it was a situation where the Christian in Nigeria would be relegated, and that has been defeated because Tinubu is a Muslim, but he is not a religious bigot that will carry one religion over another,” he stated.

He further pointed to Tinubu’s family and appointments, saying, “His wife is a pastor. His son, Seyi, is a Christian. He was born a Muslim. He became a Christian. Most of the people in his cabinet are Christians.”

Tinubu’s decision to pick former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate sparked nationwide debate ahead of the 2023 elections, with critics arguing that the ticket failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Although Tinubu unexpectedly lost Lagos—his long-time political stronghold—to Peter Obi in the February 25, 2023 presidential election, he went on to secure victory nationwide and was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.