By Mohammed Bello Doka
A Featured Article from Abuja Network News - Corridors of Power
The political tension in Lagos has reached fever pitch following the dramatic impeachment of former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. His removal has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, exposing deep cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and raising questions about the real motives behind his sudden ouster.
While the official narrative from the Lagos Assembly points to allegations of gross misconduct and financial misappropriation, political insiders suggest that Obasa’s removal was far from a simple matter of accountability. Instead, they argue, it was an orchestrated power play—one tied to his alleged ambitions to run for governor in 2027.
Now, a fierce battle for control of Lagos politics is underway, with conflicting reports about whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened to demand Obasa’s reinstatement. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body within the Lagos APC, appears to be at odds over the matter, and the ruling party faces a growing internal crisis.
As the dust settles on this high-stakes political drama, Abuja Network News' Corridors of Power brings you an exclusive deep dive into the controversy, the players involved, and what this means for the future of Lagos politics.
A House Divided: The Power Struggle That Ended Obasa’s Reign
Mudashiru Obasa had, for years, been a dominant force in Lagos politics. As Speaker of the House of Assembly since 2015, he wielded significant influence, shaping legislative policies and maintaining strong political connections. However, that power may have also made him a target.
The impeachment, executed with swift precision, saw over two-thirds of the lawmakers vote to remove him, replacing him with Mojisola Meranda. Obasa, however, has refused to accept his impeachment, challenging the process and insisting that due procedure was not followed.
In a recent statement, he pushed back against the rumors surrounding his political ambition.
> “Having (a) governorship ambition is not a sin, is it? However, I said it on the floor of the House when the budget was presented that I had no thoughts of governorship, but that does not mean I am not qualified or that I lack experience, and I still maintain that.”
Despite his denial, many believe that Obasa was removed to neutralize his growing political influence ahead of the 2027 governorship race. Some insiders claim that his connections and grassroots mobilization made certain powerbrokers within the APC uneasy.
Did Tinubu Intervene? The President’s Alleged Role in the Crisis
As the fallout from the impeachment continued, reports surfaced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had stepped in, allegedly instructing Lagos lawmakers to reinstate Obasa. This claim, first reported by Gazette Nigeria, suggested that Tinubu saw Obasa’s removal as a politically costly move that could destabilize the party.
According to sources close to the presidency, Tinubu reportedly urged the lawmakers to reconsider their decision to avoid creating divisions that could weaken the APC’s grip on Lagos. However, other reports, including statements from the Lagos APC, have dismissed these claims, labeling them as "fake news."
A senior APC official told Daily Post:
> “The removal of Obasa was purely a legislative decision. The President has no hand in it. The Lagos Assembly is an independent institution, and its members acted based on their convictions.”
Despite these denials, tensions within the party remain high. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which serves as the highest advisory body for Lagos politics, is reportedly split over the matter. Some members, including Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, have criticized the impeachment, calling it an act of political recklessness. Others, like Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, have dismissed these concerns, arguing that the lawmakers had every right to act in the way they did.
What Next for Lagos APC? A Party in Crisis
With the APC in Lagos now battling internal divisions, political analysts are warning that this crisis could have long-term consequences for the party. If unresolved, the factional infighting could weaken the party's dominance in the state, potentially opening the door for opposition parties to exploit the situation.
Meanwhile, Obasa remains defiant, refusing to vacate his official residence and insisting that he is still the Speaker. The new leadership under Mojisola Meranda has begun assuming control, but the situation remains fluid.
The question now is: will Lagos APC find a way to resolve this crisis, or is this the beginning of a larger power struggle that could reshape the state's political landscape ahead of 2027?
Abuja Network News Corridors of Power will continue to bring you exclusive updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for breaking news and in-depth analysis as the battle for Lagos rages on.
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