The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming local government chairmanship election scheduled for July 12, 2025, declaring his full support for Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Abiola made the announcement during a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, stating that his decision was driven by loyalty and respect for Speaker Obasa, whom he described as his political mentor. He firmly denied being pressured to withdraw, calling the move a “voluntary and well-considered decision.”

“I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” he said.

Abiola detailed his political rise under Obasa’s guidance — from his appointment as Special Assistant on Media in 2015, to becoming Sole Administrator of Agege LGA in 2016, then Secretary to the Local Government in 2017, and finally Vice Chairman in 2021.

He acknowledged having aspirations for the chairmanship, a natural next step for any Vice Chairman, but said he respects the party’s collective decision and the calls by stakeholders for Abdulganiyu to contest.

“Yes, I aspired. But the party has spoken, and I fully align with its direction. Leaders and stakeholders are united behind Abdulganiyu Obasa, and I support that,” he added.

The development follows appeals from community stakeholders in Agege who urged the Speaker to endorse his son, citing his legacy of infrastructural and political development in the area.

Abiola also dismissed speculations of internal party pressure, stressing that his loyalty is rooted in gratitude and trust.

“My decision wasn’t coerced. I trust my leader. He knows what’s best for me and can recommend me for greater responsibilities in the future. I remain young, energetic, and committed to the APC,” he said.

He further directed members of his support group, the Obasa Youth Alliance, to back Abdulganiyu’s candidacy and mobilize for the party ahead of the July elections.

“I’ll continue working for the party and ensuring we achieve victory. This is just the beginning,” Abiola concluded.