Lagos Assembly Defies Tinubu as Power Struggle Deepens Over Speaker’s Removal

The removal of Mudasiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has triggered an unprecedented political rift within President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing political dynasty. The development has exposed deep divisions within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as key party figures, including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), appear to have taken a stand against the President’s influence.

Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015, was ousted on January 13 by 36 lawmakers citing allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement. His removal, reportedly backed by several GAC members, was executed without prior consultation with Tinubu, a move that sources say left the President embarrassed and angered.

Despite initial speculation that Tinubu had sanctioned the decision, sources close to the Presidency confirmed that he was not informed beforehand. In response, Tinubu directed GAC members to persuade the lawmakers to reinstate Obasa and allow him to resign gracefully. However, the lawmakers refused to comply, with 37 out of 39 present at a crucial meeting voting against Obasa’s return.

In an effort to smoothen relations, a delegation of six GAC members was sent to Abuja to present a letter of apology to the President, explaining their position. However, their attempt to meet Tinubu was unsuccessful.

The crisis is widely seen as part of a broader political struggle within the Lagos APC, influenced by the 2027 governorship race and the long-standing rivalry between the Mandate and Justice Forum caucuses. Obasa, a member of the Mandate group, was reportedly targeted by lawmakers aligned with the Justice Forum and other indigenous power blocs seeking greater control of the state’s political structure.

A prominent APC chieftain described the situation as a major test of Tinubu’s authority in Lagos, a state he has dominated politically for over two decades. The source noted that the lawmakers’ defiance signals a shift in the power dynamics within the party, raising questions about the future of the President’s political grip on the state.

“The President is not happy with how this unfolded. He sees it as a betrayal,” the APC chieftain said. “This is a test of strength—who will back down first? The lawmakers and GAC members acted independently, and that is something Tinubu is not used to in Lagos politics.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has distanced himself from the crisis, maintaining that Obasa’s removal was a legislative matter without interference from the executive. However, sources within the APC suggest that the governor may have played a significant behind-the-scenes role in ensuring that Obasa was not reinstated.

The political fallout from the crisis continues to unfold, with some party leaders warning that forcing Obasa’s reinstatement could destabilize the APC ahead of future elections. Others argue that the party must respect the autonomy of the House of Assembly and accept the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, who has received widespread support from various groups, including women’s organizations.

Veteran APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe remains optimistic, insisting that the situation will not spiral out of control. He expressed confidence in the GAC’s ability to resolve the matter, stating that the council’s experience and unity will ultimately restore order.

Meanwhile, another APC leader, Fouad Oki, cautioned against prolonging the dispute, warning that ignoring the sentiments of party members and the public could lead to political instability. He urged the party leadership to prioritize unity and the broader interests of Lagos residents over internal power struggles.