Lagos GAC closes ranks for Obasa’s soft landing-APC Chieftai

Lagos GAC closes ranks for Obasa’s soft landing-APC Chieftai

Obasa

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Governor’s Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos, has moved to resolve the controversy trailing the embattled former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, following his removal.

The indication emerged at the weekend after the GAC members held a crucial closed-door meeting at an undisclosed venue to forge a common front in resolving the matter.

GAC is the apex decision-making organ of APC, whose decisions are binding on members. The council is led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, with Mr. President Bola Tinubu as lifetime Patron.

The GAC is made up of past Governors, deputy governors, senators, elders, leaders and chieftains of the party.

Some of the members are: Henry Ajomale, Bushura Alebiosu, Abiodun Ogunleye, Murphy Adetoro, James Odunmbaku, Anthony Adefuye, S. A. Seriki, Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Rabiu Oluwa, Muriano Taiwo, Mutiu Lawal Are, Yomi Finnih, Muyiwa Sosanya, Tunde Samuel, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Rasak Lanre, Obasa, Babatunde Balogun, Wale Edun, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, Ranti Adebule, Senator Ganiu Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, among few others.

APC chieftain, who spoke in confidence to Vanguard at the weekend, said:”The GAC members, based on the directive of Mr. President, Tinubu, have to step in to save the party from sliding into implosion.”

“I can tell you on good authority that there is no rancour or division among the GAC members.

“As I speak with you, several underhanded meetings are going on among the members to resolve the issue amicably. The GAC members are on the same page to settle the clash in a family affair manner.

“There are conflict resolution mechanisms in the party to handle such matters. Because it has become expedient to save the party from implosion from polarisation going by some statements already flying in public space within the party ranks,” the party chieftain affirmed.

Speaking on the plan to suspend Obasa and subject him to probe, he stated,” I don’t think that would happen. APC, as I told you earlier, has a conflict resolution mechanism that will handle it accordingly. That much I can say.”

Also, speaking on chances of Obasa dumping APC for the opposition party, “Again, I don’t see that happening going by Obasa’s pedigree as a die-hard progressive who believes in democratic principles and who has always been Asiwaju’s boy from the days of Social Democratic Party, SDP.

“Don’t forget, recently, upon his return from abroad, he publicly told his supporters to stay in APC as he has no plans to dump APC. And I want to believe him on that.”

However, strong indications emerged that Obasa might not achieve his aim of returning as a speaker at the end of the day but remain an ordinary member without intimidation or persecution.

Recall that Obasa was removed in absentia by 32 out of 40 members of the state House of Assembly on January 13, 2025, over alleged financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness, among other things. He was replaced by his erstwhile deputy Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as substantive speaker, leading to conflicting reactions among members of the GAC, party faithful, and the general public.

The decision to remove the former speaker was made through a democratic process, with the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.

“We commend the professionalism of the DSS office in their friendly invitation. We appreciate the Lagos DSS Command, especially the Director, for ensuring a smooth and respectful engagement.

“The process allowed us to give a clear recount of events in a comfortable and professional environment.

“We reiterate our commitment to legislative duties that serve the interests of Lagosians, ensuring effective governance and the continued development of the state.

“We call on all stakeholders, including the executive arm and the public, to respect the sanctity of legislative proceedings and refrain from undue interference.”

Also, some civil society organisations and human rights groups have come out in defence or against Obasa.

https://Vanguard News.com/Lagos GAC closes ranks for Obasa’s soft landing-APC Chieftain/