Musiliu Obanikoro

Musiliu Babatunde Obanikoro is a Nigerian politician, diplomat, and public servant who has held various high-profile positions in the Nigerian government, including as a Senator and Minister of State for Defence. **Early Life and Education** Musiliu Babatunde Obanikoro was born in Lagos, Nigeria. For his higher education, he attended Texas Southern University. **Career Progression and Political Journey** Obanikoro's political career began in the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM) as a National Executive member during the military administration of General Sani Abacha. Following the return to civilian rule in 1999, he was appointed State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture in Lagos State, a position he held for four years. **Major Achievements and Key Roles** In 2003, Obanikoro was elected as a Senator to represent Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, serving until 2007 alongside Adeleke Mamora and Tokunbo Afikuyomi. A significant phase of his career involved serving as the Minister of State for Defence. He held this cabinet position twice: initially from 2014 until October 2014, and then again after his re-nomination and screening. **Political Affiliations** Throughout his political career, Obanikoro was a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until November 2017, after which he switched his allegiance to the All Progressive Congress (APC). **Current Status** Musiliu Obanikoro is recognized as a professional politician who continues to be an active figure in Nigerian political discourse.