Labour Party Courts 36 Lagos Lawmakers Amid Assembly Power Struggle

 

Labour Party Courts 36 Lagos Lawmakers Amid Assembly Power Struggle

Lagos Assembly Crisis: A Political Shake-Up

In a bold political gambit, the Labour Party (LP) has extended an invitation to 36 Lagos State House of Assembly lawmakers who backed the dramatic removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the rise of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. This move could significantly disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) stronghold in Lagos, reshaping the state’s legislative power balance ahead of the 2027 elections.



Lagos politics has been thrown into chaos following a political coup within the State Assembly. On January 13, 2025, a faction of lawmakers staged an unexpected rebellion, leading to the ousting of Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power. In his place, Mojisola Meranda—a long-serving lawmaker from Apapa Constituency I—was installed as the first female Speaker in Lagos history.

Yet, the transition quickly spiraled into controversy. Armed security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly blocked Meranda from assuming office, further intensifying the Assembly’s power struggle. The incident underscores the deep fractures within Lagos’ ruling elite, with factions within the APC clashing over control of the legislative arm.

Labour Party’s Calculated Political Move

Sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the crisis, the Labour Party has stepped in with a direct appeal to the 36 lawmakers who supported Meranda.

According to Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Lagos is under siege by a group of "democracy assassins" who have hijacked governance. He called for an urgent shift in leadership, urging Lagosians to reject APC dominance in favor of a government that prioritizes democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

Arabambi didn’t mince words, stating:

"Lagos State is now a captured territory by groups of 'democracy assassins.' APC must be voted out to prevent the complete annihilation of democracy by the ruling political family."

This declaration underscores the Labour Party’s aggressive push to redefine Lagos’ political landscape, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the APC’s dominance.

Beyond wooing the lawmakers, the Labour Party has also demanded full transparency regarding the allegations of misconduct that led to Obasa’s removal. The LP has criticized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for failing to intervene, describing his silence as "a betrayal of democratic principles."

The party insists that unless the allegations against Obasa are thoroughly investigated, Sanwo-Olu should either:

  • Resign from office
  • Face impeachment proceedings

This direct challenge places additional pressure on the APC leadership, which has struggled to contain the fallout from the Assembly crisis.

Despite the growing tension, the APC leadership in Lagos has dismissed rumors of mass defections as "baseless and misleading."

Ogundipe Stephen, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, refuted claims that lawmakers were planning to abandon the party. He described the reports as "malicious propaganda" designed to create instability within the ruling party.

"There is no division within the APC lawmakers in the House. No member is contemplating defection. These rumors are deliberate attempts to create confusion."

This strong rebuttal signals that the APC is determined to maintain control of the Assembly while downplaying the Labour Party’s growing influence.

The power tussle in the Lagos Assembly represents more than just internal party politics—it is a defining moment for Lagos’ political future. If the Labour Party successfully convinces these 36 lawmakers to switch allegiance, it could be the biggest political realignment in the state’s history.

Some key takeaways from this unfolding crisis:

✅ A potential shift in legislative control if the Labour Party gains more lawmakers
✅ A growing rift within APC that could weaken the party’s dominance
✅ Increased political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties gaining traction

The unfolding Lagos Assembly crisis is a clear indication that the APC’s grip on Lagos State is being tested like never before. With the Labour Party aggressively courting disgruntled lawmakers, the political landscape is set for a possible transformation.

The coming weeks will be critical—will the 36 lawmakers remain loyal to APC, or will they join the Labour Party’s growing movement?

Lagos State is at a political crossroads, and the decisions made now could reshape its governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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