Abdul-ganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was disqualified from the APC Agege Local Government chairmanship primaries. He was among 38 aspirants dropped from the race, either due to disqualification or voluntary withdrawal, out of 470 aspirants who were screened

Reasons for Disqualification:

• Absence during screening: Obasa’s disqualification was reportedly due to his absence during the screening process.
• Possible political undertones: Party insiders hinted at high-level intervention, allegedly from President Bola Tinubu, which might have contributed to Obasa’s disqualification.

Internal democracy to encouraged participation it is a dangerous precedence to allow the Agege Mafias collapse party structure for a particular aspirant.

Impact on the Party:

• Controversy and debate: Obasa’s disqualification has sparked debate within Agege’s political circles, with some analysts suggesting it might reflect strategic recalibration within the APC ahead of the local government elections.
• Endorsements and support:

The influence of godfatherism in the Agege APC primaries, with Obasa having significant grassroots support and endorsements from key stakeholders like the incumbent council chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi, can have implications for the party’s dynamics and the election outcome.

Some possible concerns include:

• Perception of imposition: The influence of powerful individuals or groups may be seen as imposing their preferred candidates on the party, potentially undermining the democratic process.
• Potential for division: The perceived favoritism towards certain candidates may create divisions within the party, particularly if other aspirants feel marginalized or excluded.

The outcome will depend on how the party navigates these dynamics and ensures a fair and transparent process , therefore the decision leading to Obasa’s disqualification

Promote Good Governance:

The disqualification of Obasa’s son and the successful screening of the seven aspirants can promote good governance in the APC Agege Local Government chairmanship primaries by:

• Ensuring a level playing field: The disqualification and screening process can help ensure that all aspirants have an equal opportunity to participate and showcase their qualifications.
• Promoting merit-based selection: By evaluating aspirants based on their qualifications and performance, the party can select a candidate who is best suited to lead the local government.
• Enhancing party credibility: The transparent and fair process can enhance the party’s credibility and reputation, both within the local government and beyond.

The outcome of the primaries will likely depend on the performance of the screened aspirants and the party’s ability to maintain a fair and transparent process.

The Agege Mafias

It seems like there was a perception that the Speaker’s influence was being used to unfairly benefit his son in the APC primary. This might have raised concerns about:

• Abuse of power: Using the Speaker’s office to influence the primary outcome could be seen as an abuse of power.
• Unfair advantage: The perceived attempt to use influence to benefit the Speaker’s son might have undermined the fairness of the primary process.

The President’s attention and subsequent actions might have been aimed at ensuring a level playing field and upholding the party’s principles. The disqualification of the younger Obasa could be seen as a move to address these concerns and promote a more transparent and fair process.

The emergence of Azeez Tunde Disco as a candidate, facilitated by the outgoing chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, has sparked controversy. Some possible interpretations include:

• Perception of imposition: The sudden emergence of Disco, coupled with the timing and circumstances, may be seen as an attempt to impose a candidate, potentially undermining the democratic process.
• Challenge to party directives: This development could be perceived as a challenge to the party’s directives or presidential orders aimed at ensuring a free and fair election.
• Potential for conflict: The situation may lead to tensions within the party, particularly if other aspirants or stakeholders feel that the process is being manipulated.

The outcome will depend on how the party leadership responds to these developments and ensures adherence to its principles and directives.

Political watchers agreed that failure of the thirty eight others to meet screening prerequisite including Obasa’s son withdrawal is the fingerprint of Hon Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel open letter to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has directed against APC aspirants imposition .Whatever it is, party hierarchy should ensure a free and fair election to avoid rancour as the situation is tense as the day comes nearer