Tinubu’s Grip On Power Shaken: Obasa’s Removal Sparks Political Turmoil

The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has ignited a significant political crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, casting doubt on the stability of President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing dominance in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers over allegations of financial mismanagement, misconduct, and abuse of office. He was swiftly replaced by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, while Mojeed Fatai assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.

However, reports have emerged that Tinubu was not consulted before the impeachment, leading to sharp divisions among party stakeholders and posing a serious loyalty test within the Lagos APC.

Lawmakers Defy Tinubu’s Orders

Following Obasa’s removal, Tinubu reportedly directed the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to persuade the lawmakers to reinstate Obasa and allow him to resign gracefully. A marathon meeting was convened on Monday at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, Lagos, where GAC leaders conveyed the President’s instructions.

Despite offering apologies to Tinubu and reaffirming their loyalty, 37 out of 39 lawmakers present at the meeting refused to reinstate Obasa, insisting that his impeachment was irreversible. To mitigate the fallout, the lawmakers agreed to write an apology letter to Tinubu, justifying their decision.

Six GAC representatives, drawn from Lagos’ three senatorial districts, were tasked with delivering the letter to Abuja on Wednesday. However, they reportedly failed to secure a meeting with the President, further escalating the crisis.

Power Struggles and 2027 Succession Battle

The unfolding turmoil is fueled by entrenched rivalries between the APC’s dominant factions—the Mandate Group and the Justice Forum—as well as the looming 2027 governorship succession battle.

An APC insider revealed to Punch that Obasa’s impeachment was orchestrated by Lagos indigenes within the GAC, aiming to derail his suspected governorship ambitions ahead of the next elections.

“The President is deeply displeased with how the lawmakers and the GAC acted,” the source disclosed. “He feels betrayed. Tinubu has held considerable control over Lagos politics for decades. For them to take such a bold step without his approval signals disloyalty and a breach of trust.”

The source further stated, “This is now a battle of wills—who will back down first? The President has made it clear that Obasa must be reinstated, but the lawmakers are holding firm. It’s almost like they’re challenging Tinubu’s authority in his own political stronghold.”