Politics
Obasa Lists 3 Major Areas Lagos 2023 Budget Must Address
Obasa Lists 3 Major Areas Lagos 2023 Budget Must Address
– As Governor presents N1,692,671tn Appropriation Bill
– Speaker says Asiwaju has capacity to make Nigeria great again
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday received the 2023 budget proposal of N1,692,671tn from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressing that the Bill should address three areas for the benefit of the residents of the State.
The budget is with a capital to recurrent ratio of 55:45 percent.
Dr. Obasa, who noted some of the challenges currently facing Nigeria and its citizens, told Governor Sanwo-Olu: “The Year 2023 budget of Lagos should have more human face, be targeted at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of the residents of the State as part of the THEMES agenda that guides this administration.”
The Speaker said that though the Lagos Government had achieved a lot in its effort to improve the development of the State, it should constantly be conscious that the residents yearn for more dividends of democracy.
Obasa stressed the need for the Federal Government to approve the allocation of one percent special status for Lagos considering its population and the constant influx of people to the State.
Noting that this was the last budget to be presented by the current administration before the 2023 election, Obasa promised that the House would carry out its constitutional duty of scrutinising the proposal for the benefit of the residents of State.
“There is, therefore, no doubt that in the remaining months leading to the end of this administration, so much more needs to be done; so much is still needed from us as the good people of Lagos yearn for more dividends of democracy, especially at this critical time,” he said while promising that the House would continue to support the Executive arm of Government to achieve a better, safer society.
The Speaker also urged Nigerians to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress both at the State and the national levels as he described the Presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as one who has the capacity to make Nigeria great again.
Read Speaker Obasa’s full remarks below:
REMARKS BY RT HON. (DR) MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA, SPEAKER, LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE Y2023 BUDGET, THEMED: BUDGET OF CONTINUITY, BY MR BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE, AT THE ASSEMBLY’S HALLOWED CHAMBER ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022.
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. It is with great joy that I heartily welcome you, on behalf of my colleagues and dedicated staff, to the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a legislative arm of government that prides itself as ‘above the common standard of excellence’.
2. Today’s formal presentation of the Year 2023 budget by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the very hardworking Governor of Lagos State, signposts another positive chapter in the beautiful history of our State, her progress and development. For this and every other privilege we have had, it will only be wise to give all praise and adoration to the Almighty Allah, the giver and taker of life, the One who reverses the irreversible.
3. Around this time last year, Mr. Governor was here to present the Year 2022 budget themed: BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION with detailed plans for the current year which is about to end. As we gather here, we have all witnessed the outstanding performance of the budget as regards infrastructural renewal and wealth creation. We can testify that Lagos is truly working.
4. Today, we have come together again to fulfill the requirement stipulated in Section 121 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which intendment is to deepen democracy, strengthen democratic institutions and create a society that is not only habitable, but which provides a pride of place for its residents.
5. Dear Lagosians, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our Governor, has given us details of how the Government of Lagos intends to utilize the State’s wealth to further boost the development of the State. It is noteworthy that the Year 2023 ‘BUDGET OF CONTINUITY with a size of N1,692.671bn is the last to be presented by this administration as we move towards electioneering and the ushering into existence of a new dispensation next year by the special grace of God.
6. There is, therefore, no doubt that in the remaining months leading to the end of this administration, so much more needs to be done; so much is still needed from us as the good people of Lagos yearn for more dividends of democracy, especially at this critical time.
7. Mr. Governor, permit me to applaud your astuteness, courage, forthrightness and determined spirit for service. The result of true governance geared towards the smart city dream for Lagos reflects in many parts of State. Impressively, Lagos State has continued to thrive with the Government focusing on needed infrastructure including schools, bridges and hospitals. The Imota Rice Mill as well as the Lagos Film City projects are sure to stand our State out in the near future.
8. At our own end, we have passed a number of bills and resolutions that have greatly promoted economic and social development of the state. Our legislative activities have continued to standardise governance and legal procedures, protect peoples’ rights and encourage enterprise and investments in the state, since the last budget presentation by the Governor.
9. Ladies and gentlemen, Lagos, being the Centre of Excellence, is home to millions of Nigerian citizens. Each day, the State experiences an influx of people who come with the hope of having the opportunity to eke out a living. The State has sustained this attraction because it continues to enjoy good leadership. Lagos accounts for about 20% of the national Gross Domestic Product and about 10% of the nation’s population.
10. This is not, however, to gloss over the impact of such massive movement of people to Lagos State. The result is evident in the State’s infrastructures that are consistently overstretched, thus requiring constant attention. This is the reason why we continue to agitate for allocation of one percent special status for Lagos State.
11. Distinguished guests, exercises of this nature have raised our consciousness about economic situations and reactions to events and activities both nationally and globally. All the economic indices at home and abroad indicate that all is not well. These unfavourable variables are due to both human actions and natural occurrences.
12. The world still battles the aftermath of COVID-19 which ravaged the globe without the exception of Nigeria, particularly Lagos, our State. Its effect are still very glaring.
13. Furthermore, the life threatening effects of climate change have become apparent in the rate of flooding experienced across parts of the world leading to the destruction of farmlands and agricultural produce thus causing food shortages and hunger. Nigeria is also currently having its unpalatable share.
14. The effect of the unnecessary war between Russia and Ukraine that has resulted in astronomical surge in the price of energy across Europe and affecting standard of living and employment has also crept into the Nigerian economy. Over here, the impact is seen in the reduced direct remittances from diaspora and in direct foreign investments.
15. Beyond these global challenges, telltale signs of local issues including insecurity in many parts of the country and unemployment are noticeable in Nigeria’s rising inflation rate which has, in turn, caused skyrocketing prices of food and other commodities. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released recently by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that inflation rose by 20.8% in September, this year. While this most recent figure is up from 20.52% recorded in August, the result is that it further digs into the pockets of the citizens. This affects their purchasing power.
16. While it is the constitutional responsibility of this House of Assembly to do the needful by meticulously working on the budget as presented by Mr. Governor, I want to assure Lagosians that members of this Honourable House will give a thought to the challenges so far highlighted as well as other considerations in the process of shapening the proposal to meet the aspirations of the people.
17. The Year 2023 budget of Lagos should have more human face, be targeted at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of the residents of the State as part of the THEMES agenda that guides this administration.
18. We will also, as usual, continue to give the needed support to you, our dear Governor, as we all match ahead to solidify the achievements gained since 2019 when you took the reins of government.
19. As I begin to round off my remarks, I want to urge you, dear Lagosians, to keep in mind the need to elect only candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives, Senatorial and Presidential elections. No doubt, Lagos is a ‘Star State’ because it has enjoyed consistency in governance beginning from the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our National Leader and by the grace of Almighty Allah, President of the country by 2023.
20. I also want to appeal to members of our great party in Lagos, Nigeria and in the diaspora to keep the tempo high by engaging Nigerians with Asiwaju Tinubu’s plan for a better country. Nigeria will be great again. And our collective hope should be on the APC presidential candidate, who understands what Nigeria needs at this time.
21. To all our party leaders, particularly the GAC members, we must continue in our determination and focus to keep Lagos strong and healthy enough for us. I am confident that we will continue to win in every situation and in the coming election.
22. We all know that our National Leader is an easy sell as his footprints of achievements remain indelible in Lagos. Today, our State enjoys an Internally Generated Revenue of N51 billion from the paltry N600 million it earned in 1999. This was the result of the various economic policies initiated by Asiwaju Tinubu while he was Governor. That aside, his education and health policies were the best of the period and are still being referenced till date.
23. Once again, I thank you all for coming and wish us a fruitful Year 2023.
Igbega Ipinle Eko, ajumose gbogbo wa ni.
Rt. Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
Politics
2027 BATTLE: How Much Nigeria Can Save, Invest In Infrastructure By Rotating Power Among Six Geo-political Zones For A Single Term Of Five Or Six Years
2027 BATTLE: How Much Nigeria Can Save, Invest In Infrastructure By Rotating Power Among Six Geo-political Zones For A Single Term Of Five Or Six Years
As a Southernern, particularly from the South East Geo-Political Zone, I believe the most potent argument for us in 2027 is that the North/South zoning arrangement of political power at the center is a scam. It’s a scam because it has only benefitted the South West and the North West geo-political zones since the return of ‘democracy’ (civil rule) in Nigeria on May 29, 1999. Nigeria, it must be clarified has six geo-political zones, not two.
Nigeria was divided into six geo-political zones in 1996 by the military government of General Sanni Abacha. This new zoning arrangement was a brainchild of the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference chaired by the late Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte and empaneled by General Sanni Abacha.
At that Conference, no less a person than former Vice President Chief Alex Ekwueme and a group called Mkpoko Igbo proposed that since Nigeria will now be divided into six geo-political zones, to give all zones a sense of belonging within the Nigerian State, that power at the center should rotate among the six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years. In their thinking, if power was rotated among the six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years, within 30 years or 36 years, all six zones would have had one of their own leading Nigeria, particularly, from their first 11 (primus inter pares). The North and the South West delegations at that conference pooh-poohed Chief Alex Ekwueme and summarily shut down that all-important proposal. The rest they say is history.
More than 30 years later, there is yet no national peace, national cohesion, national political stability, national unity, and national loyalty to the Nigerian State. Had the proposal of Chief Alex Ekwueme and Mkpoko Igbo been adopted and implemented since 1999, at least, the 5th Geo-Political Zone would have had one of their own in Aso Villa today, and by 2035, the last geo-political zone would have being sending us one of their own to contest the Presidency across Nigeria’s current 18 political parties. This mathematics is if we had gone with a single term of six years (the maximum limit) as proposed by Dr. Ekwueme and the South East and South South delegates in that 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.
Fast forward to today, in his recent Arise TV interview, and in some other public and private fora, H.E. Atiku Abubakar asked for Dr. Ekwueme’s forgiveness as he was among key Northern delegates in that Constitutional Conference from the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua group that opposed the rotational presidency among Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Waziri Adamawa had disclosed that he even apologized to Alex Ekwueme when he visited Oko, Anambra State, to pay homage to the former late vice president sometime in 2017/2018.
By and large, for 2027, I believe that the most potent argument that will sell in the South East is that the North East where Waziri Adamawa hails from, just like the South East (our region), had also been marginalized in the scheme of things in Nigeria. Aside from Alhaji Tafawa Balewa from Bauchi State (North East), nobody from the region/zone has been head of national government, head of state, or even president since 1966.
So, H.E. Atiku Abubakar is right in contesting the Presidential election billed for January 16, 2027, to right this wrong, and return Nigeria’s presidency to an equitable distribution of power at the center. When elected, and it’s entrenched in the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), that power rotates among the six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years, this new formula will bring about national peace, national cohesion, national unity, and tremendously commandeer national loyalty among Nigerians from across the six geo-political zones for their beloved country, the Nigerian State.
As a budding political scientist of repute and ardent student of contemporary Nigerian history and politics, let me tell us what this formular would do for the Nigerian State. The battle for the soul of the Nigerian State will be ferocious at the zonal level, while the center will become unattractive. So, let’s say it is the turn of the North East Geo-Political Zone to produce the Presidency in 2027, the battle to gift Nigerians their First 11 (primus inter pares) will be ferocious across the States in the region. The people of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe will now be more interested in partisan politics, thus being proactive participants within the current 18 political parties in Nigeria.
Giving Nigeria’s configurations and peculiarities, one of the positives of this political proactiveness is that it’s a win-win situation for the entire region if a man from Adamawa becomes President of Nigeria in 2027. The people from Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi will be largely happy, contented, hold their peace, love Nigeria better, and be more loyal to the Nigerian State because one of their own is now the GCFR, the primus inter pares, and the No. 1 Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The steep insecurity that has ravaged the North East Geo-Political Zone since 2009, largely owing to perceived agelong marginalisation, oppression, injustices, would largely die down.
This will be the same case for the South East Geo-Political Zone. Biafra secessionist agitations, IPOB, ESN led by Nnamdi Kanu, will die a natural death. Justice and equity for all breeds contentment among men, and contentment among men births peace, unity, commandeers loyalty, and tremendously brings about prosperity. I stand to be challenged on this self-evident truth on any national television station.
When it is the turn of another region to produce the Presidency, after the North East has had their turn, all political parties in Nigeria must constitutionally present a Presidential candidate from the region whose turn it is to produce the presidency for a single term of six years. This rotational presidency formula must be entrenched in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) by May 29, 2027.
I avow that rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years is the best political science solution to the agelong hydra-headed problem of Nigeria, especially in the guise of disunity, unpeaceful, and disloyalty problems among Nigerian citizens. Doing this will also largely curtail the executive rascalities, legislative rascalities, and judicial rascalities currently being perpetrated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Executive arm; the Godswill Akpabio led Legislative arm; and the CJN Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun led Judiciary arm.
The over desperation of getting re-elected for a second term in office, as shown today by Bola Tinubu, will be eraced for future Nigerian Presidents. The humongous money and depletion of Nigeria’s national treasury just for seeking re-election at all cost, and conducting elections will also be erased.
The Highfalutin, Draining Cost Of Conducting Elections In Nigeria?
For the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed N305 billion in May 2022, which was a 62 percent increase over the 2019 budget. Ultimately, the National Assembly approved N355 billion for the exercise, though the commission spent N313.4 billion as of September 2023.
For the 2027 general election, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan proposed a total budget of N873.78 billion to the National Assembly in February 2026. This proposal includes N375.75 billion for election operations, N209.21 billion for technology, and N92.31 billion for administrative costs. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu led APC regime had previously allocated N1.01 trillion to INEC in the 2026 budget presented in January 2026.
Ladies and gentlemen, INEC’s election budget ballooned from N355 billion in 2023 to a whopping N873.78 billion for a re-election season in 2027? This is approximately a percentage increase of 146.13%. This is unacceptable, opprobrious, and insalubrious.
If we entrench in the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), zoning the presidency among the six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years, this proposed N873.78 billion to coduct the 2027 re-election season would have been eliminated.
What Can N873.78 billion Do For Nigerians In Terms Of Infrastructural Developmental Projects?
If hypothetically redirected or matched in scale for infrastructure development, N873.78 billion could significantly advance Nigeria’s infrastructure across key sectors:
1. Roads and Transportation: This amount could fund the rehabilitation of over 10,000 kilometers (6213.712 miles) of rural and urban roads, especially when combined with technical support from institutions like the World Bank’s RAAMP-SU project.
It could complete critical projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or support the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
2. Railway Development: Based on past projects, N873 billion could finance a new 600–800 km (373-497 miles) standard gauge rail line, similar to the Abuja-Kaduna or Lagos-Ibadan lines, which were partially funded by Chinese loans.
Rail expansion would boost freight movement, reduce road congestion, and create thousands of jobs.
3. Power and Energy: The sum could support renewable energy projects, such as solar mini-grids for 10,000 rural communities, or fund transmission infrastructure to reduce power losses.
For context, Power Africa facilitated $63 million in renewable energy investments over 26 months—N873 billion could scale such efforts dramatically.
4. Water and Sanitation: Funds could build or upgrade water treatment plants, boreholes, and sanitation systems in underserved urban and rural areas, improving public health and reducing waterborne diseases.
5. Agricultural Infrastructure: The NSIA’s Multipurpose Industrial Platform Ltd (MIPL) in Akwa Ibom, including an ammonia and fertilizer plant, is a multi-billion-dollar project. N873 billion could fund multiple such agro-industrial hubs, boosting food security and reducing import dependence.
Analyzing The Current Infrastructure Spending In Nigeria In Relation To N873.78 Billion?
For comparison, Nigeria’s actual infrastructure allocations are much lower than the humongous money INEC is proposing to conduct the shaky 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The 2025 Federal Budget allocated ₦4.06 trillion ($2.7 billion) for infrastructure—about 7.4% of total spending.
The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) aims to raise infrastructure stock to 70% of GDP by 2043, requiring $100 billion annually—far above current spending levels.
Pension funds invested ₦262.57 billion in infrastructure in the first 10 months of 2025. This is below N873.78 billion being earmarked for the 2027 elections.
Without mincing words, let me aver that the N873.78 billion could transform infrastructural developmental projects in Nigeria, But the fact that this amount is proposed for elections, not infrastructural developmental projects, highlights a mismatch between public needs and government spending priorities in Nigeria, especially under the disastrous APC regime of Bola Tinubu.
Conclusion
While N873.78 billion is earmarked for elections, its scale underscores what Nigeria could achieve in infrastructure if similar resources were consistently invested. Redirecting even a fraction of election budgets toward roads, power, rail, water, and agriculture could accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life in Nigeria. However, transparency, accountability, and long-term planning are essential to ensure such investments yield lasting benefits.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, let’s consider the substantial ingredients of this political seminal and fix this mess of power rotation at the center among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones for a single term of five or six years. Let’s stop wasting scarce resources in Nigeria conducting re-elections at the center and across state levels. Let’s stop wasting everybody’s time in Nigeria.
Ikenna Asomba is a political scientist and journalist. He writes from the State of Illinois, United States.
Politics
2027 BOMBSHELL: Dismantling The Myth Around Kwankwaso’s So-Called Electoral Dominance In Kano
2027 BOMBSHELL: Dismantling The Myth Around Kwankwaso’s So-Called Electoral Dominance In Kano
Politics
I am fully ready for the 2027 general elections”- ADP, presidential aspirant, Prof. Omolaja, declares
“I am fully ready for the 2027 general elections”- ADP, presidential aspirant, Prof. Omolaja, declares.
By Comrade Samson Ajibade Alabi, NLP Media Director
A presidential aspirant under the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Prof Muhammad Omolaja, has said that he is fully ready for the 2027 general elections especially the presidential contest.
Prof. Omolaja who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with pressmen in Abuja on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, said he has done his consultations with leaders of the Party, boasting that he is the next president of Nigeria by the grace of God.
He submitted that he has won the heart of the people at the grassroots across all the States and geopolitical zones including the federal capital territory (FCT); and convinced them about his clear vision and mission for Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians are tired of the APC government and ready to vote them out in favour of his Party; the ADP!
Prof. Omolaja added that ADP is the only Party that can liberate Nigeria and rescue the citizens from the prevailing insecurity and other challenges facing the country.
The presidential aspirant said “you are asking me if I am ready for the 2027 general elections or not, I hereby inform you categorically that I am fully ready for the election; we have done what to be done, we have systematically carried Nigerians along in our preparations especially the people at the grassroots; and we have let them know that ADP is the only credible alternative Party that can liberate them from all the challenges the country is facing under the prevailing APC government. I am confident that I will get the ticket of our great Party being the leading contestant, and win the upcoming 2027 presidential election by the special grace of the Almighty God”
He therefore urged Nigerians to rally support for him and his Party (ADP) at the polls in the spirit of peace, love, unity, and patriotism in Nigeria.
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