Amid growing public speculation, All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant and Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government, Oluwagbenga Abiola, has firmly denied claims that he was pressured to withdraw from the upcoming local government elections in favour of Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Abiola addressed the rumours head-on, expressing unwavering loyalty to both the APC and the Speaker, whom he credited with launching and nurturing his political career. He also threw his full support behind the party’s decision to field Abdulganiyu as the APC’s chairmanship candidate in the July 12 council poll.
‘He Made Me’ — Abiola Reflects on Political Journey
Recounting the path that brought him to his current role, Abiola described Speaker Obasa as a mentor and political father, saying every major step in his political rise was made possible through the Speaker’s recommendation and support.
“Let me make it clear, I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” he said. “This is the man who made me. He appointed me as his Special Assistant on Media in 2015 when he became Speaker. A year later, I was named Sole Administrator of Agege LG. That made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.”
Abiola continued, “In 2017, I was appointed Secretary to the Local Government. By 2021, I became the Vice Chairman. Each of these roles came with the support of our party and the Speaker. So why would I oppose a man who built me politically and invested in my growth?”
Abiola acknowledged that he had initially declared interest in contesting the chairmanship, a natural ambition for someone in his position. However, he said his decision to step aside was entirely voluntary and driven by party discipline and respect for leadership consensus.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman wants to become Chairman, it’s a natural progression. But our party leaders and stakeholders have united behind a single candidate. They have asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest. I respect that, and I support it fully,” he said.
A Message of Unity and Future Optimism
Rather than dwell on what might have been, Abiola used the opportunity to rally support for the APC and called on party members in Agege to close ranks ahead of the polls. He stressed that political leadership is ultimately about service to the people, not personal gain.
“My dream has always been to serve, and I know there will be more opportunities ahead. I trust my leader, he knows my capacity and will recommend me when the time is right,” he said. “For now, I remain committed to our party and the goal of victory on July 12.”
Abiola’s remarks appear aimed at quelling any internal dissent or public criticism over the selection of Speaker Obasa’s son. His statement positions him as a loyal party man with long-term ambitions, one who is choosing unity over conflict.
