By Kabiru Sowuyi
As the July 2025 local government elections approach, a political storm is brewing in Agege Local Government Area. The once unified All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area is now deeply divided over the sudden announcement that Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, will fly the APC’s flag as chairmanship candidate. He was announced by parry leaders without a democratic primary election. This move has sparked outrage among many party members, raising concerns about political imposition, nepotism, and the future of democratic processes in Agege.
A Political Dynasty in the Making?
The crux of the controversy lies in the perceived dynastic move by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who, despite the initial agreement among party leaders to allow open nominations and a possible primary election, unilaterally declared that his son would be the only candidate for the chairmanship seat. This declaration came despite several aspirants having already started raising funds and mobilizing support for their own candidacies.
Many APC members, both at the grassroots and leadership levels, have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Some view it as a political betrayal, accusing Obasa of undermining the very democratic principles he has championed.
For many, the imposition of Abdulganiyu Obasa is a direct challenge to the integrity of the electoral process, and it is stoking fears that Agege could become another political fiefdom controlled by the Obasa family.
Abdulganiyu Obasa, who has been relatively unknown in local politics and has not participated actively in party meetings, now finds himself thrust into the limelight as the party’s anointed candidate. His campaign posters, which surfaced online despite the directive from the Speaker to refrain from public campaigning, further fuelled the suspicion that the family’s political dominance is being consolidated at the expense of merit and democratic choice.
The Rising Voice of Discontent
The Concerned Group Initiative (CGI), a civil society organization, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of this move. At a press briefing earlier this week, CGI members expressed their outrage, calling for an end to political intimidation and imposition. They argued that the people of Agege deserve a fair and open electoral process, one where qualified individuals, not just political heirs, can contest for leadership positions.
Leaders like Dele Olajuwon of CGI have emphasized that Agege’s leadership should be determined by merit and service to the community, not by family ties. His sentiments are echoed by Adebayo Ogunleye, who stressed that leadership should be rooted in understanding the unique challenges of the community and not based on inherited political privilege.
The CGI’s appeal to national APC leaders is a clear indication of the widening gap between party elites and grassroots members who are increasingly disillusioned by the lack of transparency and fairness in the nomination process. The group has vowed to continue advocating for a level playing field, promising to mobilize voters and raise awareness ahead of the election.
Party Members Torn Between Loyalty and Ambition
While some within the APC have accepted Obasa’s decision, others are less enthusiastic. Notably, the Vice Chairman of Agege, Oluwagbenga Abiola, who is a close political ally of the Speaker, publicly endorsed the move, citing his loyalty to the party and to Obasa.
However, even Abiola’s support cannot mask the growing discontent within the party ranks.
Sources within the APC have revealed that the announcement has caused significant tension among aspirants and party members. Several aspirants, who had already begun preparations for the election, are now forced to shelve their ambitions. The decision to impose Abdulganiyu Obasa, they argue, has rendered the electoral process a mere formality rather than a genuine contest of ideas and qualifications.
The People of Agege Speak Out
Amidst this political turmoil, voices from the community have begun to emerge. The Concerned Citizens of Agege, a local pressure group, has published an open letter denouncing the Speaker’s actions. They argue that while Abdulganiyu Obasa has the right to contest, his candidacy should not be foisted upon the people of Agege without their consent.
The group has called for the APC to hold transparent and inclusive primaries, allowing the electorate to choose the candidate who best represents their interests.
The group’s letter paints a picture of frustration with the political establishment, pointing to years of underperformance by the Obasa-led administration. The people of Agege, they claim, have been deprived of meaningful progress, with constituency allowances collected by the Speaker failing to translate into tangible benefits for the community.
Conclusion: A Test of APC’s Commitment to Democracy
The controversy surrounding Abdulganiyu Obasa’s candidacy raises crucial questions about the APC’s commitment to democratic values and internal party processes. As the election draws closer, the party will have to decide whether it will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and merit or continue to prioritize political patronage and dynastic control.
For the people of Agege, this election will be a critical moment to determine if they will continue to be subjects of a political dynasty or if they will reclaim their right to choose leaders who genuinely represent their needs and aspirations.
The outcome of this contest could have far-reaching implications not only for Agege but for the broader political landscape of Lagos State and beyond.
- Sowuyi, a Social Commentator, wrote from Agege, Lagos
It is quite unfortunate that the opposition is becoming more docile.