Lagos APC divided over Obasa’s impeachment as Speaker

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State following the controversial removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

A prominent GAC member, Chief Muraina A. Taiwo, has publicly condemned the decision, branding it as unlawful and a blatant disregard for party leadership.

His statement adds to the mounting tensions within the APC as party leaders remain sharply divided over the legality of Obasa’s removal.

Obasa was removed from office on January 13 while he was reportedly out of the country.

The state legislators accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office, prompting swift action from the Assembly. Following his removal, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda of Apapa Constituency 1 was appointed as his replacement.

Upon his return last Saturday, Obasa strongly rejected the decision, maintaining that he remains the Speaker until due process is duly followed. His defiance has fueled discord within the GAC, the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC.

While some key figures within the APC have voiced support for Obasa, others argue that the decision to remove him was justified.

Senator Anthony Adefuye, a respected GAC member, has labeled the removal “illegal,” asserting that it was carried out through a faulty and unconstitutional process.

“I stand with Obasa on this matter. The process of his removal was not in accordance with the law,” Adefuye stated in an earlier interview.

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However, his position was swiftly countered by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who dismissed Adefuye’s remarks as “childish and inconsequential.” Obanikoro criticized his fellow party leader for making internal party matters public. “These issues should be handled internally. Rushing to the press with such comments only weakens our party,” Obanikoro remarked.

Amid the controversy, GAC Secretary Mutiu Are sought to downplay the situation, calling it a “family affair” that would be resolved within the party’s internal framework. However, despite these reassurances, tensions continue to mount as members of the GAC take opposing stances.

Chief Taiwo, in a strongly-worded statement titled My Take on the Ongoing Imbroglio at Lagos House of Assembly, reiterated his firm opposition to the removal.

“The lawmakers’ decision to remove Obasa was unconstitutional. It demonstrates a lack of respect for leadership and due process. The GAC itself is divided, but ultimately, we will defer to our de facto leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve this crisis,” Taiwo stated.

With growing divisions among the Lagos APC leadership, all eyes are now on Tinubu to mediate and restore unity within the party. Whether the crisis will be resolved internally or escalate further remains to be seen as party stakeholders continue to deliberate on the fate of the embattled Speaker.