Lagos Assembly crisis an embarrassment to democracy – PDP

Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent leadership crisis and chaos in the Lagos State House of Assembly as an eyesore and embarrassment to the nation’s democracy.
The PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, in a statement, on Tuesday, in Lagos State, said that the leadership crisis stagnated the state for about two months.
Olalemi noted that the crisis did not only bring setbacks to the state but also to democracy.
“The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is nothing short of an eyesore and an embarrassment to democracy in Lagos State,” Olalemi said.
“The leadership tussle, which has seen both Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda laying claim to the position of Speaker, threw the legislative arm into disarray.
“It is sad that the situation was further complicated by the presence of two clerks of the assembly with each asserting authority.
“This is the time for the people of Lagos to free themselves by electing a party that is truly democratic and a party that will allow them to aspire for any position without interference
“It is time for a new initiative in the governance of Lagos State.”
The PDP chieftain said that the crisis had exposed deep cracks within the state’s power dynamics, revealing a lack of cohesion and effective conflict-resolution mechanisms within the ruling government.
According to him, the chaotic scenario has tarnished the image of the ruling party.
“The crisis which began with the removal of Obasa on January 13, 2025, amid allegations of abuse of office, financial misappropriations, and misconduct escalated to full-blown chaos and despite the intervention of key political figures and the Governance Advisory Council, the crisis festered and stagnated the state.
“The Assembly has been unable to function effectively, with staff being directed to work remotely to ensure their safety.
“The situation in the Lagos State House of Assembly can be seen as a manifestation of the “sit-tight syndrome” within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“This phenomenon, where political leaders cling to power at all costs, has led to a stagnation in the party’s developmental initiatives, prioritising personal gains for cronies over the welfare of the people,” he added.
According to him, the crisis is a significant setback for the APC government in Lagos State.

“It erodes public trust and sends a wrong signal to the aspiring youth, highlighting the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and a renewed commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
“The people of the state should see this crisis as a signal for the need to change the APC as a party in Lagos State.
“The party has become redundant and lacks new governance initiatives to drive the economy of the state and to improve the welfare of its people rather they are on the self-aggrandizement mission,” he said.
The crisis began with the removal of Mr. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly on January 13, 2025, amid allegations of abuse of office and misconduct, and has escalated to full-blown chaos.
Thirty-two of the 40-member legislative arm impeached Obasa and replaced him with his deputy, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.
After defying the intervention of key political figures and the Governance Advisory Council for weeks, the APC leadership on Monday resolved the impasse for peace to reign.