The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has firmly declared that he is fully qualified to run for the office of governor in 2025, despite allegations from political opponents that his efforts to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) were motivated by personal ambition.
Speaking after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented his ₦3 trillion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, Obasa addressed these allegations, asserting that his primary focus was the advancement of the APC, not an immediate quest for the governorship.
Obasa clarified that while he had been active in mobilizing support for the APC through the Mandate group, his ultimate goal was to build and sustain the party, particularly with an eye on the 2027 elections.
“My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause,” Obasa emphasized, rejecting accusations that his efforts were driven by a desire to become governor.
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He went on to assert that while he had not seriously considered running for governor, he was indeed qualified and had the experience necessary for the role. “Becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration.
Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off,” Obasa stated.
The Speaker also addressed claims by critics who suggested that he had sought to validate his candidacy through connections to prominent Lagos families.
Obasa firmly denied these allegations, stating, “I have never claimed to be related to Onikoyi, Oniru, or any of the other popular Lagos families. I can indeed never run from the fact that I am related to my Obasa family in Ojo. But I do not need local validity to contest or run. If eventually I am contesting, I will do so from Agege!”
Obasa also defended the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, stressing that no amount of intimidation or coercion would undermine its authority.
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“No one will violate any temple and expect the gods to accept his or her sacrifice. And if such happens, there must be an appeasement to the gods to accept such atonement,” he warned.
Reaffirming his commitment to the legislative process, Obasa assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that the House would scrutinize the proposed budget thoroughly while remaining steadfast in its constitutional role.
“We will never be disgraced, abused, or ridiculed in the name of creating a seamless working ambiance,” he added.
Obasa also issued a cautionary message to those attempting to destabilize the House, quoting a local proverb: “Let me also emphasise that those who live in glass houses must not throw stones,” and warning that anyone trying to disrupt the unity of the legislature would face consequences.
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