President Bola Tinubu has directed members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, sources familiar with the situation told DAILY GAZETTE.

The directive comes three weeks after Obasa’s impeachment over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, which rocked the state’s political landscape.

According to sources, Tinubu expressed concerns that Obasa’s removal could have greater political consequences than any potential benefits from holding him accountable.

With 38 of the 40 lawmakers belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu’s influence is expected to weigh heavily on the decision.

“The president has instructed us to start making arrangements for his return,” a senior Lagos politician disclosed.

“He insists that Obasa will only serve a short time before stepping down on his own terms.”

Another politician, speaking anonymously, added, “We have decided to reinstate him for a soft landing. The political fallout from prolonging this crisis could be severe.”

However, some lawmakers who supported Obasa’s removal remain apprehensive.

“Bringing him back is like reviving a snake after cutting off its head,” one legislator warned. “The consequences could be disastrous.”

To ensure full compliance, Tinubu has reportedly summoned key political figures to a meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Lawmakers who remain hesitant are expected to be persuaded to align with the president’s stance.

Obasa was impeached on January 13 after an investigative report exposed how he allegedly misappropriated billions in procurement allocations meant for vehicles and other expenses.

Following his removal, Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was elected as Speaker.

However, sources say she has struggled to assert authority over Obasa, despite having the backing of at least 32 lawmakers.

Adding to the tension, Obasa has refused to vacate the Speaker’s official residence in Ikeja G.R.A.

“He initially claimed he needed time to remove his personal belongings, but he has refused to leave,” a source revealed.

“Madam Speaker is too intimidated to challenge him.”

The extent of First Lady, Remi Tinubu’s involvement in the matter remains unclear.

However, her reported intervention in preventing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Obasa has raised further questions.

Tinubu’s push for Obasa’s return is expected to deepen internal divisions within Lagos’ political circles.

However, given the president’s strong grip on state politics, lawmakers may feel compelled to comply rather than risk political repercussions.

“Many lawmakers feel humiliated by this decision,” a source admitted. “But no one wants to challenge the president, who also leads the party.”

When contacted, a presidential spokesman said he was unaware of Tinubu’s directive.

Meanwhile, both Obasa and Meranda declined to comment.

Sources also confirmed that Obasa met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House in Marina on Saturday to finalize plans for his return.

An aide to the governor acknowledged the meeting but did not provide further details.

Obasa’s reinstatement could take effect as early as next week.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal conflicts and deepening divisions as primary reasons for his exit.

In a resignation letter dated January 30 and addressed to PDP leaders in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nwoko expressed disappointment over the state of affairs within the party.

“My decision to resign is first and foremost due to the deep divisions and factionalization within the party. This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of our people,” he stated.

The senator also referenced a recent development that, according to him, highlighted the extent of discord within the party.

“Just this week, precisely on the 29th of January, the top party functionaries degenerated to the lowest levels by physically fighting each other, arising from the stated factions, which have become irreconcilable,” he revealed.

While acknowledging the role the PDP played in his emergence as a senator in the 2022/2023 elections, Nwoko expressed concerns that the party’s structure in Delta State had become an obstacle to delivering on his electoral promises.

“Regrettably, the current structure of the party in our state has not been conducive to realizing these promises. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the party is necessary to fulfil my obligations to my people,” he explained.

Despite his decision, he assured both party members and his constituents of his continued commitment to service.

“While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship,” Nwoko affirmed.

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Sports Development, he reiterated that his decision was driven by the need to prioritize the interests of his people.

“My decision is rooted in the best interest of those I serve, and I remain committed to the progress and prosperity of our state and nation,” he emphasized.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, insisting that the process was conducted in full compliance with constitutional provisions.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, members of the Assembly maintained that Obasa’s removal followed due process and aligned with the legal framework guiding legislative proceedings in Nigeria.

Following their visit to the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Shangisha, Olukayode emphasized that the decision adhered strictly to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act.

Citing Sections 92 and 96, which outline the procedure for electing and removing a Speaker, the lawmakers stressed that their actions were lawful.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos,” the statement read.

“Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”

The legislators also commended the DSS for handling the situation with professionalism, noting that all detained lawmakers had since been released after a smooth and respectful engagement.

Reaffirming their commitment to legislative responsibilities, the Assembly called on all stakeholders including the executive and the public to respect the autonomy of the legislature and refrain from undue interference.

Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, after 35 out of the 40 Assembly members voted in favor of his ouster, citing allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.

He was immediately replaced by his former deputy, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lawal-Meranda.

The Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated discussions with Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, in an effort to bring him back to the party.

Edeoga, who previously held several positions under the PDP, including serving as a Member of the House of Representatives (1999–2003) and Commissioner in the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, left the party after the 2022 governorship primaries to contest under the Labour Party, LP.

Following a closed-door meeting at Edeoga’s residence in Enugu, PDP State Chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, briefed reporters on the outcome of the discussions.

He emphasized that the reconciliation effort aligns with the party’s strategy to rebuild its dominance in the state.

“PDP has always been the dominant party in Enugu State. However, the last election changed the landscape. Since assuming leadership, I have consulted with Governor Peter Mbah, and we agreed to reach out to key figures who contributed to the party’s success in the past,” Chukwunweike said.

He acknowledged Edeoga’s long-standing ties with the PDP and expressed confidence in his return.

“We have spoken at length, and he recognizes the role PDP has played in his political journey. While he needs to consult with his team before making a final decision, I am optimistic that he will rejoin us,” he added.

Chukwunweike also conveyed Edeoga’s positive remarks about Governor Mbah’s administration, stating that Edeoga acknowledged the visible impact of the government’s infrastructural projects.

He assured that further updates would be communicated once Edeoga reaches a decision.

In response, Edeoga confirmed the meeting and expressed appreciation for the PDP delegation’s visit.

However, he emphasized the need for consultations with his supporters before making a final commitment.

“I have been approached by the PDP leadership to return to the party. While I appreciate the visit and the discussions, I am a product of collective goodwill, and decisions like this require wide consultations. It is not in the nature of the Igbo people to make immediate commitments on such matters. I will take time to deliberate with my supporters and get back to them soon,” he stated.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was noticeably absent from the North East Zonal Caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Bauchi State yesterday.

Atiku, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, neither attended the meeting nor sent a representative or an apology for his absence.

The meeting was attended by key PDP stakeholders, including the three PDP governors from the North East—Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

Also in attendance were senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assembly members from the region.

The meeting focused on reconciling differences within the party and strategizing ahead of the upcoming zonal and national conventions.

Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, emphasized the need for unity, stating that individual interests could only be achieved through a strong and cohesive party.

He urged party leaders to put aside their differences for the greater good.

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to strengthening the party’s structure, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, accused Atiku of leading a rebellion within the party.

He blamed Atiku’s political actions, dating back to 2014, for weakening the PDP and contributing to its inability to retain power at the federal level.

Speaking on Arise Television, Olayinka alleged that Atiku’s political maneuvering during his tenure as Vice President created internal crises that undermined PDP’s chances in key elections.

He cited Atiku’s reported opposition to PDP’s efforts to win Lagos State in 2003 and the strained relationship between him and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo as factors that deepened the party’s divisions.

The reconciliation committee, led by former PDP National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, reiterated the party’s determination to resolve internal conflicts and reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.