The removal of former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, continues to deepen divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed readiness to welcome the embattled lawmaker should he consider leaving the ruling party.
Since Obasa’s impeachment on January 13, 2025, by a majority of lawmakers over alleged misconduct and financial misappropriation, the decision has sparked conflicting reactions within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.
The internal rift became more apparent when two GAC members, Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, who opposed Obasa’s removal, faced criticism from another GAC member, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Obanikoro dismissed their objections as “childish and inconsequential.”
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye criticized the impeachment process, while Taiwo, in a brief WhatsApp message, stated, “The lawmakers’ action is illegal. It shows total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership. The GAC is split over the matter, but we will all defer to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve the crisis.”
However, Obanikoro rebuked both men, urging party leaders to refrain from making hasty statements on the issue.
Next Steps for Obasa and the Lagos Assembly
The Lagos State House of Assembly has indicated that Obasa is expected to return to the House before determining the next course of action, which may include a probe into the allegations against him. However, as of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether Obasa had appeared before the House. Calls placed to the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, on Friday went unanswered.
Opposition Parties Open Doors to Obasa
As the crisis unfolds, opposition parties in Lagos have expressed their willingness to accommodate Obasa should he choose to exit the APC.
The Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Benedict Tai, stated that the party would implement necessary checks before admitting Obasa.
“If we accept him into the party, we will put checks and balances in place because no one can just come in and demand a position. The person must have spent years in the party. We need to be sure he isn’t coming to disrupt the party, as some have done in the past,” he said.
Tai further noted that the PDP welcomed the crisis within the APC, seeing it as an opportunity to regain lost ground in the state.
“If disunity is an obstacle to their party, then we hope it worsens for them. They are our main challenge. The current situation in Lagos is favorable for the PDP, provided we learn from our mistakes and take advantage of their shortcomings,” he added.
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos has expressed its willingness to welcome Obasa if he considers leaving the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
LP Chairman, Pastor Dayo Ekong, stated that Obasa would be welcomed as long as his interests align with the party’s vision and principles.
“If the impeached Speaker chooses to join the Labour Party, he will be welcomed because our party is open to everyone. As a party driven by the right ideals, we don’t want to interfere in APC affairs. However, if Obasa decides to join us, he will be accepted, provided his interests align with what the LP stands for,” Ekong said.
When asked whether Obasa might receive preferential treatment due to his political status and rumored governorship ambition, Ekong emphasized fairness.
“There are no automatic rights anywhere. People were at the party before he came in. What we will do is allow everyone to go through the primaries and test their popularity. It’s not about granting an automatic ticket to anyone.
“Don’t forget that the 2023 LP governorship candidate is still in the party. But when we get to that bridge, we will cross it.”
As political tensions rise within the Lagos APC, the uncertainty surrounding Obasa’s next move continues to generate speculation. Whether he chooses to remain in the ruling party or align with the opposition remains a key political development to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.