LAGOS, Nigeria – In a significant political development ahead of the Saturday, July 12, 2025, Lagos council elections, Oluwagbenga Abiola, vice-chairman of Agege Local Government Area (LGA), has officially stepped down from the chairmanship race, throwing his full support behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly.
Abiola, who had been a leading chairmanship aspirant, expressed satisfaction with the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to settle for Abdulganiyu as its candidate for Agege’s council elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Abiola made it clear that his decision was rooted in loyalty to his mentor and political benefactor, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
“Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola affirmed.
He elaborated on the significant role Obasa had played in his political career, recounting how the speaker had been instrumental in his rise within the political ranks of Lagos state.
“This is the man who made me. 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. In 2017, I became secretary to the local government, and in 2021, vice chairman — all through the party’s and speaker’s support,” he said.
Abiola, in his statement, dismissed any suggestions of being pressured to withdraw from the chairmanship race, instead stressing his loyalty to both the APC and Speaker Obasa.
“Yes, I aspired. Every vice chairman dreams of becoming chairman, but the party has spoken, and I fully agree,” he added.
The decision for Abdulganiyu Obasa to contest the chairmanship race was reportedly backed by key Agege stakeholders, who viewed it as a fitting recognition of Mudashiru Obasa’s years of public service and his political influence in the region.
Abiola pledged his total support for the APC’s chosen candidate, expressing confidence in Obasa’s leadership and foresaw future opportunities within the party.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” Abiola said.
In a final show of support, Abiola instructed members of his political group, the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA), to fully back Abdulganiyu Obasa and the party’s direction in the upcoming election.
