The removal of former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has intensified divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) while prompting interest from opposition parties eager to welcome him.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, over alleged misconduct and financial misappropriation, has yet to make a public decision about his political future.
Meanwhile, APC leaders remain split on his removal, with some members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) expressing dissatisfaction over the impeachment process.
Senator Anthony Adefuye criticized the removal, stating, “The lawmakers’ action is illegal. It shows total disregard and clear disrespect for leadership,” while Chief Muraina Taiwo confirmed that the matter had caused divisions but hoped President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would intervene.
However, the disagreement among party leaders has drawn criticism from some APC members, including Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who dismissed objections to Obasa’s impeachment as “childish and inconsequential.”
Despite the controversy, the Lagos State House of Assembly has insisted that Obasa is expected to appear before lawmakers before any further action, including a possible investigation.
As of Friday, no confirmation had been given on whether he had complied, with the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, declining to comment.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), have openly expressed their willingness to accommodate the embattled former Speaker if he chooses to leave the APC.
The PDP’s Vice Chairman, Benedict Tai, emphasized that while the party is open to receiving Obasa, proper vetting processes would be in place.
“If we accept him into the party, we will put checks and balances in place because no one can just come in and demand a position,” he stated.
Tai also pointed out that the ongoing crisis within the APC provided an opportunity for the PDP to regain influence in Lagos, saying, “If disunity is an obstacle to their party, then we hope it worsens for them.
They are our main challenge.” Similarly, the Chairman of the Labour Party, Pastor Dayo Ekong, indicated that Obasa would be accepted, provided he aligns with the party’s principles.
“If the impeached Speaker chooses to join the Labour Party, he will be welcomed because our party is open to everyone,” Ekong said.
However, both parties have dismissed the possibility of granting Obasa special privileges or an automatic ticket for the 2027 governorship election.
Ekong clarified, “There are no automatic rights anywhere. People were at the party before he came in. What we will do is allow everyone to go through the primaries and test their popularity.”
Moreover, with uncertainty surrounding Obasa’s next move, the political landscape in Lagos remains unpredictable, as party leaders continue to strategize ahead of the next election cycle.
