By Mohammed Bello Doka
Mudashiru Obasa, the once-influential Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, finds himself at the center of a dramatic political storm that has left many questioning the real reasons behind his recent impeachment. On January 13, 2025, Obasa, who had held the position of Speaker since 2015, was removed by members of the Assembly in a highly controversial move, triggering widespread debate. While official statements cite allegations of corruption and misconduct as the justification for his removal, many insiders point to a different factor—Obasa’s increasingly apparent ambition to vie for the governorship of Lagos State in the 2027 elections.
Obasa’s impeachment has raised eyebrows not only because of the manner in which it unfolded but also due to the timing and the political calculations behind it. For years, Obasa had been a dominant force in Lagos politics, navigating complex power dynamics to secure his place at the helm of the State Assembly. However, it appears his growing interest in the 2027 governorship race may have alienated key political figures, particularly those within his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Rise and Fall of a Political Titan
Obasa’s leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly was marked by his ability to consolidate power, secure critical legislative victories, and position himself as a key player in the state’s political landscape. His control over the Assembly allowed him to influence decisions at the highest levels, positioning him as a powerful figure within the APC. But as the 2027 governorship race began to heat up, Obasa’s ambitions became more apparent, and it seems that his drive to secure the APC ticket for governor may have been the final straw.
Obasa’s potential candidacy for governor was no secret. He had begun positioning himself as a capable and experienced leader, citing his time as Speaker as evidence of his ability to manage Lagos State effectively. Obasa's political career was seen as a reflection of the state’s governance, and his ambition to step into the gubernatorial race appeared logical. However, his desire to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was not universally welcomed by all stakeholders within the APC.
A Rising Star or a Threat to the Status Quo?
Political insiders suggest that Obasa’s growing ambition to take on the governorship position in 2027 may have put him at odds with other influential figures within the party, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, party elders, and even the presidency. According to sources close to the APC, some party stalwarts were concerned that Obasa’s governorship bid would upset the existing power structure in Lagos. “Mudashiru Obasa’s political ambition was becoming too visible, too bold,” a senior APC member who wished to remain anonymous stated. “In a state like Lagos, where power is heavily concentrated, his aspirations were seen as a direct challenge to the established order.”
Obasa's critics argue that his desire for greater power may have led him to overstep his bounds, inadvertently alienating those who had supported him for years. His attempts to rally support for his governorship bid were reportedly met with resistance from key figures in the Lagos political machine, which eventually contributed to the breaking of alliances and the weakening of his position.
The Role of the Impeachment
When the impeachment of Obasa finally took place, it was clear that it was not just a routine political maneuver. The process was fast-tracked, with allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement being used as the primary justification for his removal. Yet, many saw the impeachment as a politically motivated act aimed at neutralizing Obasa before he could pose a serious threat to other political heavyweights within the APC.
In his first public statement following the impeachment, Obasa vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the process was illegal and orchestrated by those who felt threatened by his ambition. “There is no impeachment in the Assembly. If you want me to step down, do it the constitutional way,” Obasa argued, highlighting his belief that the charges against him were politically driven. "If you want to claim that I’m corrupt, please prove it, let us see it. If you don’t want me to be the speaker, it’s not a difficult thing. The Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standard of excellence because of the way we do our things. Can we claim the same now?” (punchng.com)
Obasa’s legal team has been vocal in condemning the impeachment, arguing that it was carried out without due process. “This impeachment is nothing but a political assassination,” one of his lawyers stated, insisting that the charges were fabricated to tarnish Obasa’s reputation and eliminate him from the political scene.
The Tinubu Factor: A Presidential Intervention?
As the dust settled on Obasa’s impeachment, a new twist emerged: reports surfaced claiming that President Bola Tinubu had intervened in the matter, allegedly calling on Lagos lawmakers to reinstate Obasa. According to well-placed sources, Tinubu, who has long maintained a significant influence over Lagos politics, may have seen Obasa’s removal as a potential disruption to the party’s unity and stability ahead of the 2027 elections. If the rumors are true, this would suggest that Obasa’s impeachment might have been an internal party move, orchestrated to quash his growing ambitions for governorship before they could become a reality.
“President Tinubu’s involvement in the matter is a clear indication of how much influence he wields in Lagos politics,” said political analyst Kayode Akintoye. “Whether or not Obasa was rightfully impeached, the fact that the President’s intervention was sought speaks volumes about the stakes in the upcoming election and the importance of keeping the party in harmony.”
The Larger Political Landscape: A State in Flux
Obasa’s impeachment is not merely a personal tragedy for the former Speaker—it reflects the broader political maneuvering in Lagos State, where ambition, loyalty, and power dynamics are constantly in flux. The APC, which has maintained a stronghold over Lagos for decades, is now facing a new era of internal competition, as figures like Obasa and others within the party jostle for control of the state. With the 2027 governorship election approaching, Lagos politics is poised to be more contentious than ever, as Obasa’s removal is just one chapter in a larger political story that continues to unfold.
Obasa's political future remains uncertain, but his impeachment has undeniably changed the dynamics in Lagos politics. As 2027 approaches, many are asking whether Obasa’s downfall was simply the result of a corrupt leadership style or if it was, in fact, the result of political rivalry, ambition, and the desire to maintain control over Lagos. Whether Obasa will seek a return to power or accept his fate as a casualty of political infighting remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead
As Lagos approaches the 2027 election cycle, Obasa’s story will undoubtedly serve as a cautionary tale for ambitious politicians within the APC and beyond. His meteoric rise and sudden fall are a reminder of the delicate balance of power that defines Nigerian politics. In Lagos, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce, no one’s political career is ever guaranteed.
Whether Obasa can ever reclaim his political throne or whether he will fade into the background of Lagos politics remains to be seen. But for now, his fight against his impeachment continues, and with it, the story of a man whose governorship dreams may have cost him everything.
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