A fresh wave of political tension seems to have erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Agege Local Government Area, leading to a noticeable division among its members. This discord began when Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a surprising declaration to party leaders, stating that his son, Abdulganiyu, would be the only candidate eligible for the upcoming council chairmanship seat. This statement disrupted the campaign strategies of many hopefuls, who had been gearing up for the election scheduled for July 12th, 2025.
The announcement has incited a range of reactions within the APC. Some members support Obasa’s assignment, arguing that he has significantly contributed to the party and deserves to select his successor. Others criticize the decision, labeling it as a misstep that contradicts the democratic principles Obasa has long championed. The Speaker had previously advised all aspirants to keep their plans private and refrain from public declarations or circulating campaign materials. However, during a confidential meeting attended by prominent party figures including the current council chairman, Kola Egunjobi, and his vice, Oluwagbenga Abiola, Obasa confirmed his son’s candidacy, urging all other hopefuls to abandon their ambitions.
Given Obasa’s influential role as a member of the Governor Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership forum within Lagos APC, those present seemed to reluctantly agree with his decision, despite concerns that it disrupted prior arrangements for the council election, leaving only the positions for councillors unaffected. Attempts to glean further details from meeting attendees were unsuccessful, as they feared potential repercussions from Obasa.
Reportedly, the initial understanding between Obasa and fellow leaders was to permit members to announce their candidacy, leading to either the endorsement of a candidate or the conduction of party primaries. Nonetheless, one party stalwart revealed that contrary to this agreement, Obasa had secretly instructed aspirants to remain silent about their intentions until the leadership finalized election protocols. During this period, Abdulganiyu Obasa released his campaign poster on various social media platforms, a move perceived as an attempt to secure his family’s political influence in Agege.
The announcement dashed the hopes of numerous party members, such as Oluwagbenga Abiola, who had aspirations to succeed the current chairman. This decision also raised doubts about the political competencies and credentials of Abdulganiyu Obasa, prompting criticism that qualified party veterans were being obstructed from holding public offices.
Ultimately, it appears that unless President Bola Tinubu intervenes, no one can effectively challenge Obasa’s decree due to his standing within the party. Thus, members have reluctantly accepted this outcome regarding the future chairmanship for Agege Local Government. The only recourse for dissatisfied party members might be to defect to another party in pursuit of their political ambitions, suggesting that, for most, hopes of becoming council chair are now unattainable.
