Lagos APC Council Rejects President Tinubu’s Order to Reinstate Speaker

Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly due to claims of misconduct and financial mismanagement. He was replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s instruction to put Obasa back in his position, some key leaders in the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC) are against this move.

The GAC, which is the highest decision-making group in the Lagos APC, has shown strong resistance to bringing Obasa back. Muraina Akanbi Taiwo, a member of the GAC, said that while they respect the president, they must follow the democratic process.

He argued that Obasa’s leadership negatively affected the assembly’s work, making his removal necessary for the state’s good.

Taiwo expressed, “Our loyalty to the president and the party is important, but we must stick to democratic principles.” He cited a Quranic verse about the changing nature of power, suggesting that the change in leadership was needed and in line with higher plans.

This conflict has led to a lot of tension within the party. Following instructions from the GAC leaders, Lagos lawmakers have written two apology letters to President Tinubu.

These letters show that they are reluctantly following the president’s wishes but also indicate a desire to move forward with the new speaker.

This disagreement shows the difficulties in managing political leadership and party relationships in Lagos, hinting at possible ongoing conflicts and decisions that could affect the state’s governance and political stability.