LAGOS: LG chairmanship hopeful steps down for speaker Obasa’s son

Abiola, a known protégé of Speaker Obasa, said his decision was voluntary and rooted in loyalty, not coercion.

He reaffirmed his allegiance to both the party and the Speaker in an interview with journalists.

Describing his decision as a conscious one in support of Obasa’s son, Abiola dismissed rumours of being pressured.

He expressed gratitude for Obasa’s support throughout his political journey, citing multiple appointments facilitated by the Speaker — from his role as Special Assistant on Media in 2015 to Vice Chairman in 2021.

“Why would I oppose someone who built me politically?” Abiola said. “The party and stakeholders have united in support of Abdulganiyu, and I stand with that decision.”

He acknowledged having aspirations for the chairmanship but emphasized respect for the party’s collective choice.

“Every Vice Chairman hopes to become Chairman, but the party has spoken,” he said. “I believe more opportunities will come, and I’ll continue serving the people and the party.”

Abiola also instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to support the party’s direction.

Meanwhile, tensions rose in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area as APC members protested alleged imposition of candidates.

On Tuesday, demonstrators gathered at the APC secretariat before marching to the council office, voicing demands for a transparent and inclusive selection process.

Protesters held placards reading “No to imposition,” “We want an indigenous leader,” and “Don’t sell Ojokoro to strangers.”

They urged party leaders to allow all aspirants to compete in fair primaries.

One protest leader, Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, warned against sidelining loyal aspirants who had invested time and resources in the party.

He advocated for a merit-based process similar to that of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential primaries.

Raimot Bello and other protesters also voiced concerns about installing an unfamiliar figure as council chairman, saying it would undermine the party’s unity and credibility.

In response, Ojokoro LCDA Chairman, Mr

Hammed Tijani, assured protesters that no candidate would be imposed.

“Meetings are ongoing, and the party will remain intact,” he said.

APC council Chairman, Jelili Oseni, echoed this sentiment, promising fairness and recognition for loyal members.

The protest saw the presence of key stakeholders, including former Assembly member Ipoola Omisore and ex-House of Reps member James Owolabi.