Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, the Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and a leading candidate for the July 12 council elections, has expressed his support for his party’s choice of Abdulganiyu Obasa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming local government election.
Mr. Abiola is a political follower of Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and a prominent APC figure in Agege.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr. Abiola affirmed his loyalty to both the party and Mr. Obasa.
NAN reported that on Monday, stakeholders in Agege had urged Mr. Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to run for the position of council chairman.
According to these stakeholders, this would serve as recognition for the Speaker’s long-standing humanitarian work and significant political impact in Agege.
Responding to claims that he faced pressure to withdraw from the race, Mr. Abiola stated that he remains deeply grateful to Mr. Obasa for his role in shaping his political career.
He pledged his complete support for the Speaker’s leadership and stated that he would never go against the party’s directives or Mr. Obasa’s guidance.
Mr. Abiola emphasized, “Let me be clear — I will never oppose my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. He is the one who made me who I am politically. He appointed me as his Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, thanks to his recommendation to the governor, I was appointed the Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government. That appointment made me the youngest council head in Lagos State at the time.”
He continued, “In 2017, I became the Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, I became the Vice Chairman — all through the support of the party and the Speaker. So, tell me, why would I oppose a man who built my political career and helped me gain experience and influence?”
He acknowledged his ambition to become Chairman but insisted that he must adhere to the party’s collective decision.
Mr. Abiola added, “Yes, I had aspirations. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has made its decision, and I fully agree with it. Leaders and stakeholders have come together. They have asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest. I respect and support that. I stand with Mr. Obasa, with APC Agege, and with all decisions made by the party and stakeholders.”
Mr. Abiola noted that his primary goal was to serve the people and expressed his belief that more opportunities would arise for him in the future.
He stated, “I trust my leader. He knows what is best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right. I am still young and full of energy. I will work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”
He further mentioned that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.
Credit: NAN
