BY CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The political structure in Lagos received another significant shake-up as Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, emerged unopposed as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Obasa secured the ticket during the party’s primary election conducted across the constituency’s 13 political wards on Saturday, with delegates and party members reportedly endorsing him unanimously.
The development followed his formal declaration just days earlier during a stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, where he publicly unveiled his ambition to move from the state legislature to the National Assembly.
His emergence without opposition is already generating conversations within political circles, with observers interpreting it as another indication of his enduring influence in Lagos politics and the internal calculations shaping APC’s strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Reacting to the outcome, Obasa thanked party supporters and residents for what he described as overwhelming backing for his aspiration.
“Your massive support and the outcome of the primary are clear demonstrations of your belief in our shared vision for better representation, sustained development and stronger grassroots leadership for Agege,” he said.
“I do not take this mandate for granted. It is a responsibility I accept with humility and total commitment to continue serving our people diligently.”
Projecting his plans should he eventually secure victory at the general election, Obasa outlined a number of priorities he intends to pursue at the federal level.
“At the National Assembly, I will continue to champion the interests of Agege by pushing for more federal presence, youth empowerment opportunities, improved infrastructure, quality education, better healthcare delivery and economic initiatives that will directly impact our people,” he stated.
He further pledged continued accessibility to constituents, saying: “I will also remain accessible to the grassroots, maintain constant engagement with constituents and ensure that the voices of our people are heard loudly and clearly in Abuja.”
Reflecting on the significance of the primary exercise, Obasa added:
“Yesterday’s victory belongs to every loyal party member, every supporter and every resident who believes in continuity, progress and purposeful representation.”
The latest development may mark a defining chapter in Lagos politics. Obasa has spent roughly a decade as Speaker of the state assembly and remains one of the most powerful political figures within the Lagos APC structure. His move to seek a federal legislative seat raises fresh questions about broader political realignments and succession dynamics within the state assembly.
Political analysts suggest that his transition could alter power balances within Lagos politics and potentially open a new contest over leadership of the state legislature. Others see it as a strategic repositioning ahead of larger political calculations within the ruling party.
The outcome also reinforces APC’s continued emphasis on consolidating influence in key constituencies considered politically strategic. As preparations intensify toward future elections, the Agege contest may now attract heightened national attention beyond Lagos.
