KEY POINTS

• A coalition of youth groups in Agege has endorsed Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, son of the Lagos House Speaker, for local government chairman ahead of July’s elections.

• Youth leaders cite Obasa’s leadership qualities, commitment to grassroots development, and youth engagement as key reasons for their support.

• The current Vice Chairman of Agege LGA withdrew from the race in support of Obasa, reinforcing growing momentum behind his candidacy.

Ahead of the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for July, a coalition of youth groups under the banner of the Agege Youth Vanguard (AYV) has thrown its weight behind Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for the position of chairman in Agege Local Government Area.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, where youth leaders voiced strong support for Abdul-Ganiyu, describing him as a dynamic candidate with a clear vision for the community.

Coordinator of AYV, Ismaeel Garba, highlighted the aspirant’s deep engagement with the youth, his demonstrated leadership capabilities, and a firm commitment to grassroots transformation as key reasons for the endorsement. “We believe Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa is the right candidate to continue building on the developmental strides already made in Agege,” Garba said. “His candidacy represents more than political ambition—it embodies hope for generational renewal.”

Obasa: Speaker’s son candidacy seen as symbol of youth-driven leadership

Garba dismissed concerns surrounding the political influence of Abdul-Ganiyu’s father, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, stating that the younger Obasa should be assessed on his own merits. “Agege should not be denied its best option for progress simply because the candidate’s father holds a prominent political office,” he argued. “We must put community development first and back a leader who understands our needs.”

Channelstv reports that the youth coalition emphasized that their support was not based on family ties, but on a shared vision for inclusive governance.

They cited Abdul-Ganiyu’s history of youth empowerment initiatives, policy advocacy, and commitment to local economic growth as essential traits needed in a council leader.

“To us in Agege Youth Vanguard, the journey to the promised land starts with ensuring that the council does not fall into the wrong hands as regards the next chairman and seven councilors who will manage the affairs of millions of residents and business operators that make up our community,” Garba added.

In a related political development, the current Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government, Oluwagbenga Abiola, reportedly withdrew from the chairmanship race, citing loyalty to Speaker Obasa. “This is a personal decision made out of loyalty, not pressure,” Abiola said in a statement. His withdrawal has been seen as a major boost for Abdul-Ganiyu’s campaign.

The Agege Youth Vanguard further encouraged young people across the state to get involved in politics and advocate for leadership that reflects their values and priorities. “The future of local governance in Lagos lies with competent, youthful leaders who are connected to the grassroots,” Garba noted.

Political observers believe Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa’s campaign may benefit from both grassroots support and the political structure of his father. However, his candidacy has also sparked debate about political dynasties and the need for equitable opportunity in public service.

As the campaign season heats up, Agege’s electorate is likely to be watching closely, weighing the promises of youth empowerment and continuity against broader calls for political inclusion and independence.