June 21, (THEWILL) – Following the double tragedy that befell father and son in the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primary, it was beginning to look like both Ibrahim and his father, Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, were finished politically as they both did not clinch the tickets they were gunning for.
Now providence has smiled on Ibrahim and his family’s political dynasty may not end after all. THEWILL had reported about two weeks ago that Ibrahim lost his second term bid to return to the House of Representative. He lost to Oyekanmi Elegushi, a sibling of Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom.
Elegushi beat Obanikoro by two votes to emerge the winner. While he was still mourning his loss, his father was trounced by Idiat Adebule, a former deputy governor of Lagos State. Although the older Obanikoro protested, nothing was done to change his situation. But the situation has now changed for Ibrahim as party chieftains prevailed on Oyekanmi to relinquish the ticket to the younger Obanikoro who is an older horse in the game. While pledging his loyalty to the party, Oyekanmi appealed to his supporters to respect the decision of the party and ensure that all candidates of the party are returned unopposed in the 2023 general election. The latest development will no doubt salvage the Obanikoro family from double shame, at least. For now, the younger Obanikoro’s victory is half way secured until he eventually wins in the general election next year.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
