Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly is once again embroiled in controversy, this time in his familiar political backyard of Agege. The drama began during the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries when two politicians regarded as Obasa loyalists, Ganiyu Egunjobi and Azeez Yusuf, failed to secure the party’s tickets for Agege Constituencies 1 and 2, respectively.
Egunjobi and Yusuf reportedly received support from Obasa, who himself secured the APC ticket to contest the House of Representatives election in 2027. Despite Obasa's intervention, they were unable to clinch the coveted tickets. In a surprising twist, both politicians subsequently moved out of the APC and secured tickets on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) to contest the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
The move has sparked whispers in political circles, with some accusing Obasa of secretly encouraging his loyalists to defect to another political platform. This has inevitably triggered questions about the Speaker's alleged involvement in an "anti-party" move. However, those close to Obasa have denied the allegations, insisting that Egunjobi and Yusuf made their decisions independently.
According to insiders, Obasa had no hand in the decision of his loyalists to leave the APC. His supporters argue that Egunjobi and Yusuf explored other options after losing out in the primaries. The development has added another chapter to Obasa's complex and often contentious political narrative in Lagos State.
Obasa's involvement in Lagos politics has been a subject of interest since the dramatic impeachment saga that briefly shook the Lagos State House of Assembly. His ability to navigate and influence the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the state has been a hallmark of his tenure as Speaker.
The defection of Egunjobi and Yusuf to the APM has raised questions about Obasa's influence within the APC and his strategy for the 2027 elections. While some have criticized Obasa for allegedly backing loyalists who could potentially split the APC vote, others see the move as a tactical play to expand his political reach.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Lagos State is set to become increasingly complex. The developments surrounding Obasa, Egunjobi, and Yusuf will likely be closely watched by political observers and analysts. For now, the allegations against Obasa remain just that – allegations – and the full implications of the defection are yet to be seen.
Key points
- Obasa's loyalists Ganiyu Egunjobi and Azeez Yusuf have defected to the Allied People’s Movement (APM) after losing out in the APC primaries.
- The defection has sparked allegations that Obasa secretly encouraged his loyalists to move to another political platform.
- Obasa's supporters have denied the allegations, saying Egunjobi and Yusuf made their decisions independently.
