By Capital Watch Media
The Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, is set to meet on Monday to address the ongoing speakership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, sources have dismissed reports that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the reinstatement of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
A senior member of the GAC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the meeting’s agenda does not include Obasa’s return.
“We are meeting to discuss the situation at the House of Assembly, not Obasa. Any claim that the president has ordered his reinstatement is unfounded,” the source said.
The crisis began on January 13, when Obasa was removed as speaker by lawmakers and replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
His removal has since divided the party’s leadership, with different factions advocating for or against his reinstatement.
A GAC member dismissed reports that President Tinubu was intervening in Obasa’s favour.
“The media is exaggerating his political status. Tinubu is a democrat and would not undermine the decision of the House,” the source added.
The source further revealed that a delegation of GAC members and Lagos Assembly leaders had previously met with Tinubu to discuss the matter.
“Solutions were proposed, but reinstating Obasa was not one of them,” the source insisted.
The leadership tussle has also highlighted divisions within the GAC, with members of the Mandate Movement, MM, supporting Obasa’s return, while the Justice Forum, JF, opposes it.
However, the source dismissed claims of a deep rift. “This is an Assembly issue, not a battle between MM and JF,” he said.
He further claimed that those pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement were not original party loyalists.
“Many of them have switched parties in the past. The real leaders of the party remain steadfast,” the source asserted.
The GAC member also refuted allegations that Obasa had sensitive information on Tinubu.
“What does he know that past governors and speakers don’t? These claims are mere fabrications,” he said.
The source emphasised that past speakers had also been removed without controversy.
“Barrister Osinowo was removed during the Jakande era. Obasa’s case is no different,” he noted.
As the GAC prepares to meet, party leaders have urged members to focus on stabilising the Assembly rather than engaging in speculation.
“Lagos has a strong political structure. Tinubu will not allow the state’s politics to become chaotic,” the source concluded.
