Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have reiterated that Mrs. Mojisola Meranda remains the Speaker of the House, dismissing claims of her resignation.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, made this known in a statement on Friday, asserting that Meranda continues to enjoy the support of 36 lawmakers.

His statement comes in response to former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s declaration on Thursday that he had reclaimed his position.

Obasa, who arrived at the Assembly complex with heavy security, insisted that he had never been lawfully removed and was back to take charge.

This marked Obasa’s first return to the Assembly since his removal in January over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.

His reappearance also coincided with reports that security operatives assigned to Speaker Meranda had been withdrawn.

However, Ogundipe dismissed any notion of Meranda stepping down, warning against attempts to destabilize the legislature.

He also condemned what he described as an illegal session convened by Obasa and a few lawmakers, noting that it lacked the necessary quorum, agenda approval, and legislative mace—key symbols of authority.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to upholding legislative integrity and democratic governance. Any attempt to mislead the public about the leadership of the House should be disregarded,” Ogundipe said.

He reaffirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to resolve internal disputes.

“We urge Lagosians and all stakeholders to ignore misinformation. The Assembly remains focused on its legislative responsibilities and the well-being of the people of Lagos,” he added.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that party leaders are committed to reclaiming the South-East as the party’s dominant region.

Speaking on Thursday at the PDP Zonal Congress in Enugu, Mbah emphasized that despite recent political shifts, the PDP remains the pride of the South-East and urged members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party’s ideals.

The congress saw the unanimous re-election of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South-East), James Ugwu as Zonal Secretary, and eight other members of the party’s zonal working committee.

Addressing delegates from the five South-East states, Mbah expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to meet the expectations of the people through good governance and people-centered leadership.

“I am proud to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our party members gathered here today,” Mbah said. “This is a testament to the resilience of our democracy and the unwavering belief in our party. The PDP has always been a party of the people, and we remain committed to delivering on the promises of good governance.”

He reiterated that the PDP has deep roots in the South-East and urged members to work towards sustaining the party’s dominance in the region.

“The South-East has always been a stronghold of the PDP. We have carried the party’s banner with pride, and we must ensure that this legacy continues,” Mbah declared. “Unity is key. Only through collective effort can we strengthen our party and secure a better future for our people.”

The congress was attended by key party stakeholders, including elected officials and party leaders, all of whom pledged their commitment to repositioning the PDP for greater success in the region.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called for an open and transparent investigation into the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He stressed that the integrity of the Senate must be protected above individual interests.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Saraki expressed concern over the impact of the controversy on the public perception of the Senate, warning that it could erode confidence in the institution.

“I have observed with concern the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation saddens me because of its potential negative impact on the integrity and image of the Senate,” he stated.

Saraki emphasized that those involved in the dispute should be mindful of their actions and reactions, ensuring that they do not undermine the credibility of the Senate.

He urged adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in addressing the matter.

To resolve the controversy, Saraki recommended that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

He insisted that both parties must fully cooperate and present their cases transparently.

Citing a precedent from his tenure as Senate President, Saraki recalled how he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee when allegations were made against him regarding the importation of an official vehicle.

He noted that his decision to submit to the investigation helped clarify the matter and maintain the credibility of the Senate.

“The leadership of the 10th Senate should follow this example. In my case, the investigation was conducted openly, and I stepped aside during the debate on the report to ensure transparency. This approach reassured the public that due process was followed,” he added.

Saraki further warned that failure to handle the situation properly could create the perception that the Senate tolerates misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office.

He clarified that his call for an investigation was not an indication that Akpabio was guilty or that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were valid.

Rather, he stressed that uncovering the truth through due process was essential to upholding the Senate’s integrity.

“For me, the Senate is a sacred institution that must be protected at all costs. No leader or member should act in a way that undermines its credibility. All lovers of democracy should work to strengthen it,” Saraki concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the October 5 local government elections and ordered the re-presentation of the 2024 budget.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur declared the election void, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act.

In a separate ruling, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

The Supreme Court directed Amaewhule and the lawmakers to resume legislative activities immediately and mandated Governor Fubara to re-submit the 2024 appropriation bill to the Assembly.

Reacting to the verdict, APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chibike Ikenga, described the decision as a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

“We urge Governor Fubara to respect the judgment without delay to restore peace and drive development in Rivers,” Ikenga said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.

He called on stakeholders to prevail on the governor to align with the ruling for the state’s progress.

“The Supreme Court’s decision marks a crucial step in resolving the political crisis between the executive and legislative arms in Rivers,” he added.

Ikenga reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to holding the government accountable and advocating for good governance in the state.

The ongoing political crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which began with the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, has escalated into a major power struggle within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home base.

With the 2027 presidential election on the horizon, political analysts suggest that this turmoil could have far-reaching implications for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Although the president has not officially declared his intention to seek a second term, the political landscape is already shifting, with alliances being formed and rivalries reignited.

Tinubu, who lost Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election, may face an even tougher challenge in 2027 if divisions within his stronghold continue to deepen.

Obasa’s impeachment by 36 lawmakers, while he was reportedly on vacation in the United States, sent shockwaves through Lagos’ political circles.

The legislators accused him of gross misconduct, highhandedness, intimidation of colleagues, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office, allegations he has denied.

Upon his return to Nigeria on January 24, Obasa dismissed his removal as illegitimate, claiming it did not follow due process.

President Tinubu, reportedly displeased with the development, was said to have directed efforts to reinstate him.

However, the move has met resistance from lawmakers loyal to his successor, Mojisola Meranda, who insist that Obasa’s tenure is over.

Beyond the internal Assembly dispute, the crisis signals cracks in the political machinery that Tinubu has built over two decades.

Some political observers argue that if he cannot maintain unity in Lagos, it could weaken his influence across the Southwest and beyond.

Additionally, there are signs of discontent in the North, where Tinubu secured significant votes in 2023.

Critics, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and political figure Dr. Usman Bugaje, have voiced dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance, warning that he could face a fate similar to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

With internal struggles brewing within the ruling APC, particularly in Lagos, Tinubu may have to work harder to consolidate his support base.

His son, Seyi Tinubu, is rumored to be eyeing the Lagos governorship in 2027, adding another layer of political tension in the state.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Tinubu reportedly deployed the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the Lagos APC.

However, for the first time, the council appears deeply divided, with some members supporting Obasa’s reinstatement while others back Meranda.

The failure of the GAC to reach a resolution prompted the involvement of senior APC figures, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba.

Sources suggest a compromise was being considered—allowing Obasa to return temporarily before stepping down—but lawmakers backing Meranda have refused to budge.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has largely remained silent on the crisis, but some insiders claim he played a key role in Obasa’s impeachment.

Allegedly, tensions had been brewing between the governor and the former speaker, with Obasa seen as a political threat.

Reports suggest that Sanwo-Olu may have influenced lawmakers to remove Obasa, further straining relations between him and President Tinubu.

The emergence of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker has also reignited an indigene-versus-settler debate in Lagos politics.

As a princess from the Oniru royal family, Meranda enjoys significant support from indigenous Lagosians, many of whom view her leadership as a long-overdue recognition of native Lagosians in governance.

Additionally, her rise has been celebrated as a victory for women in politics, with some supporters arguing that she should not be forced to step down.

This sentiment has strengthened her position, making it even harder for Obasa to reclaim the speakership.

The crisis has now moved to the courts, with Obasa challenging his impeachment.

A Lagos High Court has ordered that all Assembly members be joined as parties in the case, setting the stage for a legal showdown on March 7.

Meanwhile, the House remains divided, with Meranda’s allies rejecting Obasa’s attempted return, calling it an affront to legislative authority.

The outcome of this power struggle could have significant implications for the future of Lagos politics and Tinubu’s hold on his political empire.

As the crisis drags on, it raises critical questions about Tinubu’s ability to maintain control over Lagos politics.

If the dispute is not resolved swiftly, it could weaken the cohesion of his support base ahead of 2027, making his re-election bid more challenging.

Observers argue that Tinubu must urgently engage in political reconciliation to prevent further fragmentation within the APC.

Otherwise, the Lagos Assembly crisis could be a warning sign of bigger political troubles to come.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to stay out of the sexual harassment allegations leveled against her husband and allow him to respond personally.

The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio intensified after a Senate floor incident where she refused to sit in a designated seat, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.

Matters escalated further when she alleged on Arise News that Akpabio had blocked her legislative motions, intimidated her, and harassed her after she rejected his advances.

In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference dismissing the accusations as baseless, insisting that there had always been a cordial relationship between her husband and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan advised her to refrain from intervening in the matter. The letter, titled “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,” stressed that the allegations were directed at the Senate President and should be addressed by him alone.

“Our Client does not wish to involve you in the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her allegations against the Senate President and urges you to restrain yourself from interfering,” the letter stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further claimed she had endured repeated harassment from Akpabio and was now compelled to speak out, asserting that she possessed “concrete evidence” to support her claims.

She urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the controversy for the sake of her “sanity and family” while reaffirming her commitment to defending Nigerian women and promoting family values.