Abiola Hamsat, the vice chairman of Agege Local Government, has withdrawn his interest in contesting the chairmanship position in the upcoming July 12, 2025, local council election.
Hamsat, a political protégé of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, announced his decision on Wednesday, stating that he stepped down in favour of Abdulganiyu Obasa, the Speaker’s son.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Hamsat said his decision was driven by loyalty to the party and to Speaker Obasa, dismissing reports that he was pressured into stepping down.
Stakeholders in Agege have urged the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to allow his son, Abdulganiyu Obasa, to contest for the chairmanship position in the upcoming July 12, 2025 local council elections.
The appeal, made on Monday, was framed as a way to reward the Speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political contributions to the Agege community.
Reacting to reports that he was pressured to withdraw from the race, Olawale Abiola, Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and one of the initial contenders, dismissed the claims, expressing gratitude to Obasa for shaping his political career.
“Let me make it clear, I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola stated.
He traced his political rise to the Speaker’s mentorship and support, recounting how Obasa recommended him for several key appointments, including as Special Assistant on Media in 2015, Sole Administrator of Agege LG in 2016, making him the youngest council boss in Lagos at the time and later as Secretary to the Local Government and Vice Chairman in 2021.
“So tell me, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?” he asked.
While admitting that he had aspirations to become chairman, Abiola said he was committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aligned fully with the decision of the party and its stakeholders.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree,” he said.
“Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest. I respect and support that.”
He affirmed his loyalty to Obasa and the APC, stating that his goal has always been to serve the people and that greater opportunities may lie ahead.
“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.”
Abiola also disclosed that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) to mobilise support for the party’s chosen candidate.
