The political landscape of Agege Local Government in Lagos State is abuzz with activity as the July 12 local government election approaches. At the center of this pre-election fervor is AbdulGaniyu Obasa, son of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, whose candidacy for the chairmanship has garnered significant support, particularly from the Agege Youth Vanguard. This group, demonstrating their commitment to Obasa’s bid, has publicly procured a N5 million nomination form from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for him. This gesture, according to the group’s coordinator, Ismael Garba, reflects their belief in Obasa’s potential to drive positive change at the grassroots level, a crucial component of national development. Garba emphasized that their support is rooted in Obasa’s qualifications and competence, not simply his familial connections. Furthermore, the group’s investment goes beyond just the chairmanship; they have also pledged to provide free nomination forms for seven councillorship aspirants, aiming to build a robust and capable team around their chosen candidate.
Garba underscored AbdulGaniyu Obasa’s academic and professional achievements as key indicators of his suitability for the chairmanship. Obasa’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hertfordshire, a Master’s in the same field from Aston University, Birmingham, and ongoing doctoral studies at Babcock University. He is also an affiliate member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. His professional experience spans reputable institutions like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Providus Bank Limited, and Parallex Bank Limited, where he held the position of Head of Performance Management and Strategy. These qualifications, Garba argued, demonstrate Obasa’s preparedness to lead Agege Local Government effectively. He dismissed claims that Obasa’s candidacy is solely reliant on his father’s influence, contending that the community should not be denied a competent leader simply because of his family ties.
The momentum behind AbdulGaniyu Obasa’s candidacy has been further bolstered by the endorsements of key figures within the local government. The incumbent chairman, Mr. Ganiyu Egunjobi, has publicly declared his support, expressing confidence in Obasa’s ability to elevate the council to new heights. Egunjobi’s endorsement carries weight, given his current position and understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the local government. This show of support from the sitting chairman signals a degree of continuity and potential collaboration, suggesting a smooth transition of power should Obasa emerge victorious in the election.
Adding to the wave of endorsements is the decision of the current Vice Chairman, Oluwagbemiga Abiola, also a chairmanship aspirant, to withdraw from the race and throw his weight behind AbdulGaniyu Obasa. Abiola, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, cited loyalty to both the Speaker and the party as his motivation for stepping down. He detailed his political journey, highlighting the instrumental role the Speaker played in his career progression, from his appointment as Special Assistant on Media to his roles as Sole Administrator, Secretary to the Local Government, and finally, Vice Chairman. Abiola’s decision to prioritize party unity and defer to the collective decision underscores the influence of the Speaker within the local political landscape.
Abiola’s narrative offers a glimpse into the intricate web of political relationships and loyalties that shape local politics. His acknowledgement of his own aspirations, coupled with his willingness to step aside, paints a picture of a political system where deference to established figures and party decisions plays a significant role. While acknowledging his ambition to ascend to the chairmanship, Abiola emphasized his respect for the party’s directive and the consensus among stakeholders. This deference suggests a strong adherence to party hierarchy and a recognition of the Speaker’s influence within the party structure.
The Agege Youth Vanguard, in their endorsement of AbdulGaniyu Obasa, also commended the outgoing chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi, for his contributions to the development of the local government during his tenure. This acknowledgement of Egunjobi’s achievements serves a dual purpose: it recognizes the progress made under the current administration while simultaneously setting the stage for Obasa to build upon that foundation. By praising the outgoing chairman, the group creates a narrative of continuity and progress, implying that Obasa’s leadership will represent a further advancement of the positive trajectory established by his predecessor. This strategic move aims to position Obasa as the natural successor and the best candidate to continue the development of Agege Local Government. The pre-election period in Agege reveals a complex interplay of endorsements, political maneuvering, and strategic positioning, as various stakeholders seek to influence the outcome of the upcoming election.
