The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, addressed speculations about his potential governorship ambition, stating on Thursday that while he possesses the experience to contest, he has not seriously considered the idea.
Obasa clarified that his primary focus has been on strengthening the party in Lagos State, an effort he said some "political detractors" have misinterpreted as a personal pursuit of governorship. He made these remarks following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s presentation of the 2025 state budget, totaling ₦3.006 trillion.
Obasa explained, “I have taken it upon myself to mobilize support for the party under the Mandate platform. Unfortunately, some detractors have misconstrued this as a selfish ambition for the governorship. Let me set the record straight: my priority is the party's growth, and any actions taken are for that cause. Becoming governor is secondary and not something I’ve given serious thought to. That said, I am neither too young nor inexperienced to run, and those who came before me are not necessarily better equipped.”
The Speaker also addressed rumors about seeking local validation in Ojo to bolster a potential candidacy. “I’ve never denied my roots in the Obasa family of Ojo, but I’ve never claimed ties to prominent Lagos families like Onikoyi or Oniru. I don’t need such validation to run for office. If I ever decide to contest, it will be from Agege,” he stated.
Earlier, the Assembly passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Obasa’s leadership.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during his presentation, described the 2025 budget as the “Budget of Sustainability,” outlining a revenue projection of ₦2.597 trillion and a deficit financing of ₦408.9 billion. The budget allocates 41% (₦1.239 trillion) for recurrent expenditure and 59% (₦1.766 trillion) for capital projects, with revenue sourced from ₦1.971 trillion in internally generated income and ₦626.1 billion in federal transfers.
Reacting to the budget, Obasa acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians but urged optimism, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working towards economic recovery.
