As political activities gather momentum ahead of the Lagos State Local Government elections scheduled for July 12, a youth group under the aegis of Agege Youth Vanguard has publicly declared its support for Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for the Chairmanship position of Agege Local Government.
At a press conference held in Agege on Thursday, the group announced that it had raised N5m among its members to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for the younger Obasa, describing him as the most qualified among all contenders.
According to the group’s Coordinator, Comrade Ismaeel Garba, the decision to back Obasa was based on a thorough background check of all aspirants across political parties.
He emphasized that their endorsement was not influenced by personal interest or political patronage, but rooted in a commitment to ensuring competent leadership at the grassroots.
“We will all agree that the change we desire in Nigeria can only be achieved when the country is in good hands; and key to the development of a nation is its grassroots management.
“Therefore, for Nigeria to get out of its present hood, our local governments must get it right,” Garba stated.
Highlighting Obasa’s credentials, Garba pointed to his academic achievements — a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hertfordshire, and a Master’s degree from Aston University in Birmingham, both in the United Kingdom.
He is also currently pursuing a PhD at Babcock University and is affiliated with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
In terms of professional experience, Obasa has worked with renowned firms including Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), Providus Bank, and Parallex Bank, where he served as Head of Performance Management and Strategy. He also currently manages his private business interests.
Beyond academics and professional accomplishments, the group’s leader praised his grassroots involvement, citing the impact of his VINOD Football Academy.
“As we speak, he runs a private business.
“That none of the chairmanship aspirants have his records in terms of community service in Agege. This is marked by his football academy, VINOD, which as we speak has four football talents in Europe on the brink of signing professional contracts.
“That the fact that his father is the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly must not deny Agege of its best bet to reach a new height.
“That we will mobilise all the good people of Agege including his indifferent father to support him,” Garba said.
Garba also revealed plans to fund APC nomination forms for seven councillor aspirants across all wards in Agege, ensuring a unified and credible team to run the local government.
“We have put our money where our mouth is by contributing N5m among our members to buy APC Nomination form for Abdul-Ganiyu to enable him contest for the party primary.
“In the same vein, seven councillorship aspirants across all the wards who we find worthy to manage the affairs of our local government with him will be given a free APC nomination form by us.
“At this juncture, we commend the outgoing Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi (JP) for making our local government better than he met it.
“Agege on his watch has witnessed tremendous development in terms of infrastructure and human capital. Like they say, “The reward for a good job is more job.” So keep it up,” the coordinator added.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, on Wednesday withdrawn his interest to vie for the chairmanship position
Abiola, who is a political protégé of the Speaker, said he stepped down for Obasa’s Son, adding that his decision was borne out of his loyalty to Obasa.
