The removal of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has intensified divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, while opposition parties signal their readiness to welcome him should he choose to leave the ruling party.
Gistreel previously reported that Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by a majority of lawmakers over alleged misconduct and financial misappropriation.
His removal has since sparked mixed reactions among members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos.
The rift became more evident when two GAC members, Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief Muraina Taiwo, who opposed Obasa’s removal, faced criticism from fellow member Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Obanikoro dismissed their remarks as “childish and inconsequential.”
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye condemned the process that led to Obasa’s impeachment, while Taiwo, in a WhatsApp message, labeled the lawmakers’ action as illegal, saying it demonstrated “total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership.”
He added that the GAC remained divided on the issue but would ultimately defer to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resolution. In contrast, Obanikoro urged party leaders to avoid making rash statements regarding the controversy.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly stated that it expected Obasa to return before deciding on further action, including a possible investigation.
However, as of the time of reporting, it remained unclear whether the former Speaker had appeared before the House, as Assembly spokesperson Olukayode Ogundipe did not respond to inquiries on Friday.
Amid the APC turmoil, opposition parties in Lagos have expressed interest in welcoming Obasa should he decide to leave the ruling party.
Benedict Tai, Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, stated that while the party would accept Obasa, proper measures would be put in place to ensure he did not disrupt party dynamics. “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 joining to destabilize us, as has happened in the past,” Tai said.
Tai also highlighted the PDP’s intention to capitalize on the APC’s crisis. “If internal strife weakens their party, we hope it worsens for them. They are our biggest obstacle. The situation in Lagos favors the PDP, provided we learn from past mistakes and seize this opportunity,” he added.
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos signaled its openness to Obasa’s potential defection, particularly ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
LP Chairman, Pastor Dayo Ekong, affirmed that Obasa would be welcomed as long as his goals aligned with the party’s vision.
“The Labour Party is open to everyone. While we do not wish to meddle in APC affairs, if Obasa decides to join us, he will be accepted—provided his interests align with our principles,” she said.
Addressing whether Obasa would receive special treatment due to his political influence and rumored governorship ambitions, Ekong emphasized that no automatic privileges would be granted.
“There are no guaranteed rights anywhere. He would have to go through the primaries like everyone else. The 2023 LP governorship candidate is still in the party, and when the time comes, we will address the situation accordingly,” she stated.
