Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government in Lagos State, has officially stepped down from the race for the upcoming council chairmanship election, scheduled for July 12, 2025.
Abiola, a long-serving member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced that he is backing Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Abiola made it clear that his decision was voluntary and motivated by his enduring loyalty to Speaker Obasa. He strongly denied any claims of being pressured or coerced into dropping out of the race.
“This is the man who made me,” Abiola said, referring to Obasa. “He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor.”
Abiola recounted how his political career had grown under the guidance and support of Speaker Obasa and the APC. “In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”
Although he once aimed for the top job, Abiola says he stands firmly with the party’s collective decision to support the Speaker’s son, especially after local stakeholders appealed to Obasa to allow Abdulganiyu to contest.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree,” he said.
Abiola urged his supporters, especially members of the Obasa Youth Alliance, to rally behind the party’s choice. He expressed belief that his time will come and that he remains committed to serving the people in any capacity assigned by the party.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right. I’m still young and full of energy,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another part of Lagos, discontent is growing over the APC’s handling of candidate selections. Protesters from Ojokoro Local Council Development Area took to the streets on Tuesday, voicing their opposition to what they described as “imposed candidates” ahead of the same local elections.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters demanded a fair and open primary process. Some accused party leaders of trying to install unfamiliar figures as candidates, a move they believe would hurt the party’s chances.
“There is nothing like imposition. Meetings are still ongoing,” said Mr. Hammed Tijani, Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, while addressing the demonstrators. “We are all APC members, and the party will not be destroyed.”
