2027 polls: Why Obasa may settle for a Reps’ seat -Sources
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa Shifts Focus to House of Representatives Bid
By Dapo Akinrefon
LAGOS — In a significant political maneuver, Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has dropped his ambitions for the governorship, opting instead to pursue a seat in the House of Representatives for the Agege Federal Constituency in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Obasa had previously intended to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, he has recently intensified political consultations throughout the state, reviving the Mandate Group, a legacy political organization associated with President Bola Tinubu. This effort was reportedly aimed at consolidating support among Tinubu’s loyalists while establishing himself as a strong contender for the governorship.
Reports indicate that Obasa’s change in direction followed a decision by President Tinubu, in consultation with the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), to endorse Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the party’s preferred candidate for the governorship.
Consequently, Obasa has redirected his focus toward the Lagos West Senatorial District, where he plans to challenge incumbent Senator Idiat Adebule, a former deputy governor. Sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest that Obasa’s candidacy for the Senate is gaining traction amid ongoing internal party discussions.
However, his aspirations have met resistance from the APC’s national leadership and its women’s wing, which is advocating for Adebule’s retention as the only female senator from the South-West geopolitical zone. Party members argue that her presence is crucial for gender representation in the National Assembly.
In light of these developments, sources indicate that President Tinubu has advised Obasa to seek a seat in the House of Representatives instead. He has been specifically directed to contest for the Agege Federal Constituency, currently represented by first-term lawmaker Dr. Wale Ahmed.
Obasa has reportedly begun mobilizing grassroots support within Agege, marking a notable shift given his prior endorsement of another candidate for the same seat. This realignment highlights the evolving nature of Lagos APC politics as the 2027 elections approach, where party cohesion and leadership decisions continue to influence the ambitions of its key figures.
