LAGOS: Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, has withdrawn from the upcoming council chairmanship race in favor of Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Abiola, who was considered a frontrunner in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries ahead of the July 12 local government elections, confirmed his decision in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
I want to make it clear. I will never oppose my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola said. This is the man who has been instrumental to my political journey.
He recounted how Speaker Obasa appointed him as Special Assistant on Media in 2015, followed by his recommendation for the role of Sole Administrator of Agege LGA in 2016, a position that made Abiola the youngest council boss in Lagos at the time.
He later served as Secretary to the Local Government in 2017 and became Vice Chairman in 2021, all with the support of the speaker and the APC.
For someone who has shaped my political growth and given me invaluable opportunities, I cannot stand in his way, Abiola stated.
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Dismissing rumors of external pressure, he emphasized that his decision was voluntary and rooted in loyalty to the party and its leadership. Yes, I had aspirations, every vice chairman does. But the party has made its decision, and I stand by it, he said.
Abiola explained that key stakeholders in Agege had encouraged Speaker Obasa to support his son’s candidacy as recognition for the speaker’s contributions to the community through years of humanitarian and political service.
He pledged unwavering support for both Abdulganiyu Obasa and the APC’s direction. I believe in my leader. He knows when and how to lift those who have been loyal. I’m confident that greater responsibilities await me in the future,” he added.
Abiola also instructed members of his political support group, the Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA), to rally behind the party’s chosen candidate and ensure victory at the polls.
