The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has stepped in to address the controversy surrounding the removal of former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The intervention aims to prevent further division within the party and ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Sources within the APC confirmed that GAC members, following directives from President Bola Tinubu, held a closed-door meeting over the weekend to discuss Obasa’s fate. The GAC, which serves as the party’s highest decision-making body, is chaired by Pa Tajudeen Olusi and includes past governors, deputy governors, senators, and senior party leaders.
An APC chieftain who spoke confidentially to Vanguard emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “The GAC members, based on the directive of Mr. President, Tinubu, have to step in to save the party from sliding into implosion.”
He further assured that there was no division among the council members.
“Several underhanded meetings are ongoing to resolve the issue amicably. The GAC members are on the same page to settle the clash in a family affair manner.”
No Suspension or Probe for Obasa
There had been speculations about Obasa facing a probe or suspension from the party, but sources within the APC downplayed such possibilities.
“I don’t think that would happen. APC has a conflict resolution mechanism that will handle it accordingly,” the chieftain said.
Some party members also dismissed claims that Obasa would leave the APC for an opposition party.
“Again, I don’t see that happening. Obasa has always been a die-hard progressive who believes in democratic principles and has been Asiwaju’s boy since the Social Democratic Party (SDP) days. Recently, upon his return from abroad, he publicly told his supporters to stay in APC, and I believe him on that,” the source continued.
Obasa’s Removal Sparks Division Among GAC Members
Obasa was removed in absentia on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 state assembly members, who accused him of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness. His deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, was sworn in as the new Speaker. The decision led to sharp divisions within the GAC, particularly between the Justice Forum (JF) and the Mandate Movement (MM), two influential factions within the party.
While MM members, including Obasa, Cardinal James Odumbaku, and Senator Ganiyu Solomon, support Obasa, the JF members, led by Prince Olusi and other senior party figures, have remained indifferent. The division has further deepened tensions within the party’s leadership.
GAC Members Express Mixed Reactions
Some GAC members openly disagreed with the process that led to Obasa’s removal. Muraina Taiwo, a member of the council from Isolo Constituency, criticized the lawmakers for reconvening during recess to remove Obasa, calling it an illegal act.
“It shows total disregard and apparent disrespect for the party’s leadership,” he stated.
Similarly, GAC member Anthony Adefuye argued that Obasa’s removal was illegal.
“The procedure was faulty, and I agree with him on that,” he said in a recent interview.
However, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, countered Adefuye’s stance, calling his comments “careless” and urging party leaders to respect hierarchy.
“The statement by Adefuye is very unfortunate, childish, and inconsequential. Serious issues like this should not be rushed to the media without careful consideration,” Obanikoro said.
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Obasa Maintains His Removal Was Unconstitutional
Obasa has continued to insist that due process was not followed in his removal. Addressing his supporters and political allies in Ikeja, he refuted the allegations against him and vowed to clear his name.
“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and the longest-serving lawmaker in the house. I have done nothing wrong,” he declared.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their support.
“I appreciate the members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Sanwo-Olu of the state. He is my brother, and he always calls me his younger brother,” he said.
Lawmakers Detained by DSS Amid Crisis
As the political drama unfolded, several lawmakers who played key roles in Obasa’s removal were detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos. The lawmakers, including Mr. Ogundipe Stephen, were interrogated for several hours before being released on January 30, 2025.
Following their release, Ogundipe reaffirmed their stance, saying, “The removal of Obasa was legal, and we stand by our decision.”
GAC Promises Peaceful Resolution
Despite the turmoil, the GAC has assured that the crisis will be settled within the party’s internal conflict resolution framework.
GAC Secretary Mutiu Lawal Are stated, “Whatever is currently going on in Lagos politics is a family affair. As an elder, I’m not supposed to take sides, but we will resolve everything. The GAC, as the apex advisory organ, has its mechanism for resolving matters like this.”