Obasa's Ousting Deepens Divisions within APC as Factions Vie for Control

 Obasa's Ousting Deepens Divisions within APC as Factions Vie for Control

The recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has sparked intense internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has led to a battle among various factions within the party, all vying for control and influence.



Allegations and Impeachment Process

Obasa, a six-term lawmaker representing Agege Constituency I, was removed from office on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The impeachment was prompted by allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of power during his tenure as Speaker.

Fouad Oki, an APC chieftain, justified the impeachment, stating that Obasa had grown increasingly authoritarian and disconnected from the party's leadership. According to Oki, Obasa's behavior, such as keeping the governor and party leadership waiting for hours during crucial sessions, demonstrated his disregard for party protocols and his growing sense of entitlement.

APC's Position and Internal Disputes

Despite the allegations, the Lagos State chapter of the APC has emphasized that the impeachment was a matter solely for the House of Assembly, not a party issue. Seye Oladejo, the APC spokesperson in Lagos, clarified that President Bola Tinubu was not involved in the decision to oust Obasa. He stressed, "His impeachment is not a party affair; it’s the entire business of the House of Assembly." However, this statement has done little to quell the rumors of internal power struggles within the APC, particularly with regard to the party's leadership and influence in the state's political landscape.

Leadership Change and New Speaker

Following Obasa's ousting, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Meranda’s appointment is a historic moment, as she is the first woman to hold this prestigious position in Lagos. Her election marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Assembly and could potentially change the dynamics within the APC in the state.

The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body in the Lagos APC, endorsed the leadership change, which further complicates the political landscape. This endorsement may signal a new phase in the APC’s governance in Lagos, but it also highlights the deepening rifts within the party.



Reactions and Power Struggles

The impeachment of Obasa has generated mixed reactions within the APC. Some party members view it as a necessary step to ensure accountability and discipline in the Assembly, while others see it as part of a larger power struggle that could weaken the party’s cohesion. The situation has raised concerns about the balance of power within the APC, especially with the approaching elections and the influence of key figures such as President Tinubu.

The ousting of Mudashiru Obasa has undoubtedly exposed fractures within the APC, as factions vie for control and influence. As the party grapples with these internal divisions, the coming months will be critical in determining the direction of the party and its ability to present a united front ahead of future elections. The shift in leadership and the power struggles within the APC signal that political battles in Lagos may only intensify as the party navigates its future in the state.

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