Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa affirms his qualifications to run for the governor’s seat, highlighting his leadership experience.
Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, stated on Thursday that he possesses ample experience to enter the governorship race in the state. However, he also mentioned that he had not seriously considered running for governor despite existing speculations about his candidacy.
Obasa stated that his primary focus was on fortifying the party within the state. He explained that this motivated him to consistently rally more people in support of the party, an effort he claimed had been misinterpreted by “political detractors” as a pursuit of a governorship ambition.
The Speaker made these comments shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the state’s 2025 budget, totaling N3,005,935,198,401.
Obasa stated that he has taken it upon himself to rally people through the Mandate platform. He emphasized that some political opponents have misinterpreted this as a self-serving ambition aimed at becoming governor of the state. However, Obasa clarified that his primary focus is on strengthening their party and all efforts are dedicated to this purpose.
To those attempting to distort and redefine our mission, let me make it absolutely clear: we are committed to advancing our party through the Mandate platform.
Furthermore, becoming governor is not my primary focus and hasn’t been something I’ve seriously contemplated. However, this doesn’t imply that I am too young or inexperienced to pursue the role; those who came before me are no more qualified than I am.
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The Speaker clarified, “Moreover, it’s crucial to address the misconception propagated by some critics who suggest that I sought validation from a family connection in Ojo for my gubernatorial candidacy. Certainly, I’ve always been open about being an Obasa. However, I’ve never claimed any ties with renowned Lagos families such as Onikoyi or Oniru. While I’ll never deny my roots with the Obasa family in Ojo, local endorsement is not necessary for me to run for office. If I decide to contest eventually, it will be representing Agege.”
Earlier, all the lawmakers present at the plenary passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker.
In his presentation, Sanwo-Olu stated that the budget included a total revenue of N2,597,034,000,000 alongside deficit financing amounting to N408,902,000.
The ‘Budget of Sustainability’ comprises a recurrent expenditure of N1.239 trillion (41%) and a capital expenditure of N1.766 trillion (59%). This budget will be funded by total revenue amounting to N1,970,897,000,000 and federal transfers totaling N626,137,000,000.
In response, Speaker Obasa observed that the budget was presented amidst widespread concerns from Nigerians regarding the economy.
Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians to remain hopeful as President Bola Tinubu’s administration strives to secure the nation’s economic recovery.
