By Emmanuel Adegbite
In a significant political move, lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have issued a formal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. This comes after the intervention of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC), which sought to ease tensions within the party.
Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13, 2025, after allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office. The House voted overwhelmingly to impeach him, citing concerns over misappropriation of funds and questionable procurement processes. His removal led to the immediate election of Mojisola Meranda as his successor.
Despite claims that due process was followed, Obasa’s removal quickly turned into a major political issue. His close ties to President Tinubu and his influence within the Lagos APC made the impeachment a delicate matter. The GAC, worried about internal divisions and the potential fallout, called for an emergency meeting with the lawmakers to address the situation.
At the meeting, the GAC expressed concern about the political implications of Obasa’s removal. While acknowledging the House’s authority, party elders stressed the importance of unity and advised the lawmakers to formally reach out to Tinubu. In response, the legislators sent an apology letter to the President, recognizing any procedural missteps and reaffirming their loyalty to the party leadership.
Despite the apology, lawmakers have stood by their decision, insisting that Obasa’s removal was legally justified. The move highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing legislative independence with party loyalty, a common dynamic in Nigerian politics.
The impeachment and subsequent apology have sparked mixed reactions. Some within the APC view the lawmakers’ decision as a necessary step to ensure accountability in governance. Others see it as a politically risky move that could deepen divisions within the party.
There is also speculation about whether Tinubu will intervene to push for Obasa’s reinstatement or a political compromise. For now, the situation remains fluid, with party leaders working behind the scenes to manage the crisis.
The Lagos Assembly’s apology to Tinubu underscores the complex nature of power and party politics in Nigeria. While the lawmakers assert that they acted within their rights, the broader political landscape suggests that party loyalty often takes precedence over institutional decisions. How this issue is ultimately resolved will have lasting effects on Lagos politics and the APC’s internal cohesion.
