Inside Lagos Politics: Why Obasa's Son and 37 Others Lost the Chairmanship Race

Despite receiving high-level endorsements and significant grassroots support, bdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has been asked to withdraw from running in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for Agege Local Government Chairmanship.

The APC Lagos State Electoral Committee, led by former National Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogala, announced the final list of chairmanship hopefuls who have been authorized to compete in the party's primaries ahead of the July 12 local government elections.


Of the 470 hopefuls vetted between April 29 and May 3 at the party's secretariat in Ogba, 432 were cleared to run, while 38 others, including Abdul-Ganiyu, were disqualified or withdrew willingly.

Although party sources first cited factors such as a lack of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), missing APC membership papers, and certificate irregularities for some disqualifications, Abdul-Ganiyu's exclusion is thought to be politically driven.

Insiders allege that his withdrawal was prompted by directions from APC national leader and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

The move has sparked speculation among Agege political circles, particularly given Abdul-Ganiyu's academic and professional background.

His candidacy has received widespread support from important persons, including the incumbent Agege chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi, and Vice Chairman Oluwagbenga Abiola, a longtime Obasa supporter. Abiola had previously withdrawn from the election, citing commitment to the Speaker and party loyalty.

Abiola acknowledged Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa's mentorship since 2015 and declared his willingness to stay with the party, saying, "I will never go against my leader, Obasa."

Additionally, the group promised to back seven candidates for councillorship that fit Abdul-Ganiyu's suggested leadership group.

Political observers say Abdul-Ganiyu's departure marks a change in Agege's power dynamics, potentially mirroring larger strategic maneuvers within the APC to balance local and national objectives, as the APC's indirect primaries are scheduled for May 10.

Elections will take place in 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) around the state, encompassing 376 councillorship posts and 57 chairperson seats, according to confirmation from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).