The alleged push by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has met stiff resistance from lawmakers and prominent elders within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A high-level meeting held on Monday to address the leadership crisis ended without a resolution, as the GAC remains divided on whether to support Obasa’s return or uphold his impeachment.
GAC Elders Split Over Obasa’s Fate
Sources close to the meeting revealed that while some GAC members favor reinstating Obasa, a majority insist that his removal should stand to prevent further disunity among lawmakers.
A senior APC leader, speaking anonymously, stressed that President Tinubu holds the key to resolving the crisis but that no final decision has been reached.
“There was a meeting, but it was inconclusive. There is division. If the former Speaker had behaved well, we wouldn’t be in this crisis,” the APC elder said.
Lagos Lawmakers Oppose Obasa’s Return
The 32 lawmakers who voted for Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker have strongly opposed Obasa’s reinstatement. They maintain that the impeachment followed due process and that reversing it could destabilize the Assembly.
Amid the crisis, concerns have also emerged over zoning dynamics in Lagos politics. Some GAC members argue that appointing a new Speaker from Lagos Central Senatorial District, the same zone as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has left Lagos West politically sidelined.
However, a party elder dismissed this concern, stating that the situation required urgent action and that most Lagos West party members have not objected to Obasa’s removal.
Fear of Political Retaliation
One of the major concerns among lawmakers is that reinstating Obasa could trigger fresh turmoil, as he may seek revenge against those who orchestrated his impeachment.
“The members of the House of Assembly fear the implications and unintended consequences of returning Obasa to his former position. There is no crack in the House on this matter. They intend to forward their resolution to insist on Meranda to the party leadership,” a source revealed.
As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether President Tinubu will continue pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement or allow the new leadership to remain.
