The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, has officially withdrawn from the forthcoming chairmanship race slated for July 12, 2025, throwing his full support behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Abiola—widely known as a loyal protégé of Speaker Obasa—stated that his decision was entirely voluntary and rooted in loyalty, not political pressure.
“This is a personal decision. I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” Abiola said. “He appointed me as Special Assistant on Media in 2015, helped me become Sole Administrator of Agege in 2016, Secretary to the Local Government in 2017, and Vice Chairman in 2021. Why would I oppose a man who built me politically?”
Abiola’s withdrawal comes amid strong calls from key political stakeholders in Agege for Speaker Obasa to endorse his son for the top council job, citing the Speaker’s longstanding contributions to the area’s development and political structure.
Dispelling rumours of internal party pressure, Abiola reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership, describing the move as part of a broader effort to maintain unity within the party.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken. Leaders and stakeholders have united behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, and I stand with them,” he affirmed.
He also confirmed that members of his political group, the Obasa Youth Alliance, had been instructed to rally behind the party’s consensus candidate.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best for the party and for me. I believe that greater responsibilities will come my way in due time. I’m still young, energetic, and committed to the party’s success,” Abiola concluded.
His endorsement is expected to strengthen Abdulganiyu Obasa’s bid ahead of the July polls, positioning the Speaker’s son as the likely frontrunner in the Agege chairmanship race.
