‘I Am A Peace-loving Man’ – Obasa Denies Sponsoring Lagos APC Primary Protests

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has denied any involvement in the protests that followed the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries in Lagos State.

Obasa warned individuals and groups against using his name to promote demonstrations, political agitation or actions capable of creating tension within the party.

The Speaker also rejected claims linking him to the protests that trailed the release of the APC candidates’ lists for the legislative primaries, describing the allegations as unfair, misleading and baseless.

Naija News reports that Obasa’s reaction followed protests by some APC members from several local government areas, including Badagry, Mushin, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Somolu, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Oshodi-Isolo, at the party’s secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

The protesters had alleged irregularities in the conduct and outcome of the primaries.

The demonstration was the latest in a series of protests that have broken out in parts of the state since the Lagos APC published the names of candidates said to have emerged from the exercise.

Amid the controversy, some WhatsApp messages had alleged that Obasa provided ₦2bn to sponsor and coordinate protests across different parts of Lagos State.

But the Speaker dismissed the claim, saying there was no basis for anyone to link him with the demonstrations.

According to him, he was not a candidate in the disputed primaries and had no reason to sponsor protests over the outcome.

“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?

“I am not a candidate in the disputed election, so why and how will I devote such an amount of money to organising protests?” he said.

Obasa said he remained committed to peace, discipline and unity within the APC, adding that attempts to drag his name and office into the controversy were unacceptable.

He warned against the use of his name for actions that could deepen disagreement or create division within the ruling party in Lagos.

“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 said his focus remained on supporting the stability of the APC and promoting harmony among party members.

Obasa reiterated that his commitment was to the progress of the APC and the continued development of Lagos State.

He urged party members and stakeholders to avoid actions or statements capable of worsening tension within the party after the primaries.

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