Obasa denies sponsoring protests over APC primaries in Lagos

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has publicly distanced himself from the protests that followed the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries in Lagos. He cautioned that his name should not be used to endorse demonstrations or political agitation.

Obasa rejected claims that he was linked to the wave of protests that erupted after the party released its candidate lists for the legislative primaries. He described the attempts to hold him accountable as unfair and misleading.

APC members from several local government areas—including Badagry, Mushin, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Somolu, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Oshodi-Isolo—protested at the party’s secretariat on ACME Road in Ikeja on Tuesday, alleging irregularities in the conduct and outcome of the primaries.

The demonstration was the latest in a series of protests that have surfaced across the state since the Lagos APC published the names of candidates said to have emerged from the primary elections.

Amid the controversy, WhatsApp messages circulated alleging that Obasa had provided N2 billion to sponsor and coordinate protests in various parts of the state.

Responding to the claims, the Speaker dismissed the allegations as false and unfounded, questioning the logic of linking him to the demonstrations.

“It is foolhardy, malicious, misleading and baseless for anybody to assume or imply that I will import or mobilise protesters from different local governments to the secretariat. To achieve what exactly?” he said. “I am not a candidate in the disputed election, so why and how will I devote such an amount of money to organising protests?”

Obasa emphasized his commitment to peace and unity within the APC, warning against attempts to drag his name into actions that could create division within the party.

“I am a peace-loving party man, and I abhor the use of my name and office for any form of illegality or to sow division within the party,” he added.

The Speaker reiterated his dedication to the stability and progress of the ruling party in Lagos, stating that his focus remains on promoting harmony and supporting the continued development of the state.

“My steadfast commitment remains the unity, peace, and progress of our great party and the people of Lagos State,” Obasa said.