A leading chairmanship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming Agege Local Government elections in Lagos State, Hon. Adekunle Aina, has raised concerns over alleged internal party pressure to withdraw from the race in favor of a preferred candidate — Abdulrahman Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Speaking during a press conference in Agege on Friday, Aina disclosed that he has been approached multiple times by some party leaders and stakeholders who, according to him, are lobbying for him to step down his ambition to pave the way for Abdulrahman’s emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.

Aina, who previously served as the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) and is considered a grassroots politician in Agege, maintained that he will not be intimidated into abandoning his long-standing aspiration, which he says is based on years of service, loyalty to the APC, and support from the community.

“We Must Resist Imposition” – Aina Declares

Addressing party members and journalists, Hon. Aina emphasized that while he respects the Speaker and his family, the idea of an imposed candidacy threatens the internal democracy the APC claims to promote.

“I have received several calls, visits, and messages from political leaders within and outside Agege, asking me to withdraw from the race. The reason? Because some people believe that the seat should automatically go to the son of the Speaker,” Aina said.

“This is not about disrespect. I hold Rt. Hon. Obasa in high regard. But I also believe that every party member deserves a fair and open contest. We must allow the people to decide. The era of imposition should be over.”

Aina noted that the APC must prove it is truly a party of the people by conducting free and credible primaries that give equal opportunity to all aspirants, regardless of their political lineage.

Supporters Back Aina’s Position

The event was attended by a sizable crowd of supporters, many of whom carried placards with inscriptions such as “We Want Free and Fair Primaries,” “Aina Is Our Choice,” and “Agege Is Not a Monarchy.”

One of the youth leaders in Agege, Olumide Sanyaolu, who spoke at the gathering, criticized what he called the “politicization of family ties,” stating that the community deserves a leader chosen on merit and not bloodline.

“Nobody is against the Speaker’s son. But let him come and contest like every other aspirant. We will not support any backdoor arrangement. Aina has served us well and has earned his place,” Sanyaolu said.

APC Leadership Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the APC in Lagos State has yet to issue an official statement in response to Aina’s claims. Repeated efforts to reach the party’s spokesperson proved unsuccessful.

Political observers in the state suggest that the unfolding situation could test the party’s internal democratic structure ahead of the council elections. The APC, which has maintained control of the Lagos political scene for over two decades, has often faced criticism over allegations of candidate imposition and godfatherism.

Background on Abdulrahman Obasa

Abdulrahman Obasa, the son of the Lagos Assembly Speaker, is relatively new in the political limelight but is believed to be enjoying strong backing from key power brokers within the state. His rumored candidacy has stirred discussions within Agege and beyond, with some describing it as a continuation of dynastic politics, while others see it as an opportunity for youth representation in leadership.

Supporters of Abdulrahman argue that he is qualified and capable, and that his family background should not be a disqualifier.

“He is young, smart, and ready to serve,” said a supporter who requested anonymity. “People should judge him based on his plans for Agege, not his surname.”

Growing Calls for Internal Reform

The unfolding events in Agege mirror broader calls across Nigeria for political parties to reform their internal nomination processes. Activists and political analysts have consistently warned that failure to ensure transparency and fairness in party primaries undermines democracy and contributes to voter apathy.

Dr. Bukola Ojo, a political science lecturer at Lagos State University, said: “What we’re seeing in Agege is symbolic of a larger national issue—how party structures are often hijacked by a few individuals. True democracy demands that aspirants compete in an open arena.”

Aina Reaffirms Commitment to Party and People

Despite the pressure, Aina reiterated his commitment to the APC and his resolve to continue consulting with stakeholders and engaging residents on his plans for development in Agege if elected.

“I am not leaving the party. I am not causing division. I just want fairness,” he concluded. “Let us go to the primaries. If I lose, I will support the winner. But let it be a contest, not a coronation.”

As the APC prepares for its primaries ahead of the local government elections, all eyes will be on Agege to see whether the party will uphold internal democratic principles or once again be accused of shielding preferred candidates.