The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday affirmed his qualifications and readiness to contest the governorship of Lagos State. He highlighted his extensive experience and contributions to the state, noting that he possesses the capacity required to assume the position if he decides to contest.
However, Obasa clarified that despite widespread speculation, he has not seriously considered running for the governorship. He stated that his primary focus remains on strengthening the political structure of the party in Lagos State and that his efforts in this regard have been misunderstood by some individuals as an indication of a governorship ambition.
According to Punch Online, Obasa explained that his initiatives to mobilize support for the party, especially under the platform of Mandate, have been deliberately misconstrued by “political detractors” who, in turn, attempt to spread false narratives about his intentions. He emphasized that his actions are directed toward enhancing the strength and unity of the party, not for personal political ambitions.
The Speaker made these comments shortly after attending the presentation of the Lagos State 2025 budget, which was delivered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The budget, totaling ₦3,005,935,198,401, was tagged the Budget of Sustainability and focuses on balancing recurrent and capital expenditures to support the state's developmental agenda.
Obasa said, “I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.”
He further addressed those spreading misinformation, saying, “To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.”
Obasa added that while he has not given serious thought to running for governor, he believes his age and experience should not be barriers if he ever decides to contest. “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,” he stated.
He also refuted claims regarding his familial ties and the alleged need for validation from certain Lagos families. He said, “It is also important to correct the impression from some naysayers who have been insinuating that I made payment to seek for blood relation in Ojo to validate my candidacy to run as governor. Of course, I have never denied the fact that I am Obasa. But rather, I have never claimed to be related to Onikoyi, Oniru, or any of the other popular Lagos families as the case may be. 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.”
Earlier in the day, lawmakers at the plenary session unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, acknowledging his leadership and dedication to the House of Assembly.
During the budget presentation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu outlined key projections, including a total revenue of ₦2.597 trillion and a deficit financing of ₦408.9 billion. The budget allocates 41% (₦1.239 trillion) to recurrent expenditure and 59% (₦1.766 trillion) to capital expenditure. The primary revenue sources include ₦1.971 trillion in internally generated revenue and ₦626.1 billion in federal transfers.
In response to the budget presentation, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges facing Nigerians and urged citizens to remain optimistic. He expressed confidence in the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to navigate the nation toward economic recovery and stability.
