Lagos State House of Assembly Crisis: A Political Showdown That Demands Strategic Resolution
By Dr. Fraser – Headlinenews.News
The ongoing crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly has exposed deep political fractures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and raised concerns about governance, party unity, and the future of Lagos politics. At the center of the controversy is the strategic maneuvering of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, which caught the Nigerian Police Force off guard, highlighting a significant failure in intelligence. Given Lagos’ status as a highly informed and politically sophisticated state, such an episode should never have escalated into a full-blown political melee.
This intelligence lapse justified the immediate removal of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. However, the crisis remains unresolved, leaving the ruling APC deeply divided. The implications of this division could extend beyond the internal party struggle, potentially weakening APC’s hold on Lagos State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Role of the GAC and the Path to Resolution
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as the advisory arm of the Lagos APC, has a critical role to play in diffusing this tension. However, its approach must align with democratic principles rather than an imposition of authority. Given that all APC politicians in Lagos answer to the GAC, the council must navigate this crisis with tact and fairness.
Instead of dictating a single candidate for the Speakership, the GAC should screen eligible lawmakers based on merit and present at least three qualified names to the 39 lawmakers for a democratic selection. Any attempt to impose a Speaker could further deepen divisions and embolden opposition forces working to destabilize the party’s dominance in Lagos.
The lawmakers, having been duly elected by their constituencies, must be respected as political stakeholders. They have tasted power and will not easily accept being treated as mere extensions of the GAC’s authority. Therefore, strategic engagement and negotiation are essential.
A Tactical Approach to Ensuring Stability
To achieve a peaceful resolution, the GAC should consider the following steps:
1. Present a Balanced Speaker Selection Process – The GAC should recommend three capable lawmakers from the underrepresented zone, allowing the 39 members to choose their preferred Speaker. This ensures fairness and avoids accusations of imposition.
2. Maintain Stability with Hon. Meranda’s Deputy Speakership – A key aspect of negotiation should be ensuring Hon. Meranda retains her deputy speakership. This provides continuity and appeases factions within the Assembly.
3. Political Commitments for 2027 – The lawmakers must be assured that a fair zoning arrangement will be implemented in 2027, allowing Hon. Meranda or other qualified candidates to have a legitimate path to the Speakership.
4. Cautious Handling of Opposition Elements – The APC must acknowledge that certain opposition forces have infiltrated the House of Assembly and are exploiting this crisis to weaken the party in Lagos. These individuals are working towards an APC defeat in 2027 and must be identified and neutralized politically.
5. Avoid Legal and Forceful Tactics – The resolution of this crisis must be purely political, not legal or coercive. Intimidation will only harden the lawmakers’ stance and attract public sympathy to the rebellious faction. The entire country is watching, and Lagos APC must set an example of democratic governance.
A Call for Democratic Consensus
The resignation of both warring faction leaders may serve as a good first step toward peace, but it cannot be the final solution. A democratic, well-negotiated process must follow. The GAC, seasoned in political maneuvering, must recognize that the new generation of politicians operates differently. A collaborative approach will prevent further cracks within the party.
At Headlinenews.News, we remain available to provide objective advisory support to ensure that this dispute is resolved strategically and in the best interest of Lagos and the APC. The enemies of Lagos State and the APC are working hard to create divisions, but with careful political management, they will not succeed. Lagos must remain stable, and APC must emerge from this crisis stronger.
By God’s grace, the right solution will prevail. Amen.
Headlinenews.news
