LAGOS, Nigeria (NAN) – The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has offered a 2027 senatorial ticket to Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, as part of a strategy to ease the political turmoil within the state legislature, Rocketparrot News has learned.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the GAC made this decision during a closed-door meeting on Monday in Marina, Lagos. The move is aimed at resolving the leadership crisis that arose following Obasa’s removal and preventing further discord within the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
The GAC, an influential but non-constitutional body created by President Bola Tinubu, plays a crucial role in selecting candidates for key political positions in Lagos. Comprising 33 members, the council wields significant power in shaping the state’s political landscape.
Obasa, a dominant figure in Lagos politics, has refused to accept his impeachment, arguing that President Tinubu personally instructed lawmakers to reinstate him. However, Lagos lawmakers remain hesitant to comply, fearing potential retaliation and deepening divisions within the party.
To broker peace, the GAC offered Obasa the Lagos West Senatorial ticket, currently held by former Deputy Governor Oluranti Adebule, as a compromise solution.
“Restoring Obasa as Speaker will worsen internal party conflicts,” a source within the GAC told Rocketparrot News.
“While we agree that Mojisola Meranda should step down, Obasa’s Senate bid is a more strategic option for maintaining party unity.”
The proposal to Obasa includes the removal of the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and the appointment of a neutral candidate provided he accepts the Senate nomination.
GAC members argue that Meranda’s position is politically untenable because she hails from the same constituency as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which could disrupt political zoning arrangements. At least six possible replacements have been identified.
Despite these developments, Obasa has not vacated the Speaker’s lodge, preventing Meranda from officially assuming office. Over the weekend, he reportedly met with Governor Sanwo-Olu to finalize his reinstatement plan, with sources indicating that a resolution could emerge within the week.
Meanwhile, some GAC members have traveled to Abuja to discuss the matter with President Tinubu.
“Ultimately, we will abide by whatever the President decides,” a senior GAC member emphasized.
As Lagos politics hangs in the balance, the coming days will determine whether Obasa regains his speakership or pivots to a Senate bid.