The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, has formally withdrawn from the upcoming council chairmanship race, stepping aside to support Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Abiola announced his decision on Wednesday in Lagos, describing it as a voluntary and conscious act of loyalty to his longtime political mentor, Speaker Obasa, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The Lagos State local government elections are scheduled for July 12, 2025.
"I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me," Abiola said, addressing speculations that he was pressured to withdraw.
"He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time."
Abiola’s political trajectory within Agege LG has mirrored his allegiance to the Speaker.
Meanwhile, after serving as Sole Administrator, he was appointed Secretary to the Local Government in 2017 and later became Vice Chairman in 2021—all positions he credited to Obasa’s influence and party support.
"Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest, and I respect and support that," Abiola said.
The move comes after local political stakeholders in Agege publicly urged the Speaker to support his son’s candidacy, citing his years of service and substantial contributions to the development of the area.
In his address, Abiola dismissed suggestions that he was forced, affirming his unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Speaker.
He described Abdulganiyu Obasa as a capable and prepared candidate, worthy of the party’s support.
"My decision is based on party loyalty and trust in my leader's judgment. I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he said. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”
Abiola also revealed that he had instructed members of his political support group, the Obasa Youth Alliance, to throw their weight behind Abdulganiyu’s candidacy in the coming election.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that members of the ruling APC in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday over the alleged imposition of candidates ahead of the July 12 local government elections.
The demonstration followed a similar protest held on April 14 during a stakeholders’ meeting, which ended abruptly due to disputes over candidate selection.
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