Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa Impeached Over Alleged Misconduct

Lagos, Nigeria – January 13, 2025 – The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following allegations of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement. The impeachment, which was backed by 32 out of 40 lawmakers, marks the end of Obasa’s long tenure as Speaker since 2015.

The decision to remove Obasa was reached during a plenary session on Monday after weeks of intense political maneuvering within the House. Lawmakers accused the now-former Speaker of various financial improprieties, including the alleged misuse of public funds for personal gain.

One of the most controversial accusations involved the approval of a staggering ₦17 billion for a gate project at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex. Lawmakers argued that the expenditure was excessive and suspicious, raising concerns about financial accountability and transparency in the assembly’s leadership.

Obasa was also accused of mismanaging constituency funds and projects, a claim that further weakened his standing among his colleagues. The motion for his impeachment was moved by a senior lawmaker and quickly gained majority support.

Following Obasa’s removal, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Her emergence as the new leader signals a possible shift in the assembly’s direction, with many lawmakers and political analysts expecting reforms aimed at restoring public trust.

The impeachment of Obasa is expected to have major political implications in Lagos State. As a close ally of top political figures within the ruling party, his removal could reshape the political dynamics within the state.

Obasa’s Troubled Political Career

This is not the first time Obasa has faced corruption allegations. In 2020, he was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. At the time, he denied any wrongdoing, but the latest impeachment suggests that his political career may now be in jeopardy.

Public Reactions and Future Developments

The impeachment has sparked widespread reactions from political analysts, civil society organizations, and Lagos residents. Many see it as a bold step towards accountability, while others speculate that it could be part of a larger political power struggle.

As Speaker Meranda assumes leadership, all eyes are on the Lagos State House of Assembly to see how it handles governance moving forward. The big question remains: Will this impeachment lead to real reforms, or is it just another political game?

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.

El-Rufai, Atiku Allies, SDP Leaders Hold Strategic Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections

Prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday, sparking speculation about potential realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The closed-door meeting, held at the SDP national secretariat, included notable attendees such as Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku.

While the agenda of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, it is seen as part of broader efforts by opposition figures to forge alliances and mount a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.

Key Figures Comment on the Gathering

Otunba Segun Showunmi confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” aimed at evaluating the state of opposition politics in Nigeria.

“You must set forth at dawn! A Strategic Meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and myself. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.

 

SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam also confirmed the meeting, describing it as a gathering of “like-minded individuals” committed to Nigeria’s progress.

 

“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or anyone about officially joining the SDP. However, they are open to conversations and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria,” Gabam told The PUNCH.

Gabam emphasized that the SDP’s goal is to unite progressive thinkers across political lines to stabilize the country and provide constructive advice to the government.

“We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together to uplift Nigeria. More heavyweights are coming on board, and discussions are ongoing,” Gabam added.

El-Rufai Refutes Defection Claims

The meeting comes just two days after El-Rufai dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former governor labeled the claims as “patent lies” and stated that his lawyers would take legal action against those spreading the misinformation.

“Please disregard the patent lies and rumors about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai tweeted.

A close associate of El-Rufai also dismissed the claims, attributing them to “mischief-makers” intent on creating political instability.

Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

The involvement of key figures like El-Rufai in discussions with opposition leaders has fueled speculation about cracks within the ruling APC. Political analysts are closely monitoring whether these meetings signal a strategic shift or a broader attempt to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the SDP appears poised to play a central role in opposition politics, with Gabam positioning the party as a constructive alternative focused on national stability, economic prosperity, and political progress.

Whether these discussions will materialize into a unified opposition front remains to be seen. However, the meeting underscores an intensifying effort among Nigeria’s political elite to reshape the country’s political dynamics.

Nnamdi Kanu Opposes Federal Government’s Bid to Resume Trial, Demands Judge’s Recusal

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako must step aside as the presiding judge.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed this stance in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, maintaining that Justice Nyako’s earlier decision to recuse herself from the case remains valid.

Kanu, who faces seven charges of alleged treasonable felony and terrorism, was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. He has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Background and Recusal Dispute

During the last court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu directly requested Justice Nyako’s recusal, expressing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. Justice Nyako agreed and forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

However, the Chief Judge returned the case to Justice Nyako, explaining that two other judges had previously stepped aside from the matter. Given her extensive familiarity with the case since 2015, the Chief Judge deemed Justice Nyako the best-positioned judge to conclude the trial.

In a directive accompanying the reassignment, the Chief Judge stated that if Kanu still wished for Justice Nyako’s withdrawal, he must file a formal motion with an affidavit outlining his reasons, serve the prosecution, and await her determination.

Despite this instruction, Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) requested a new trial date in a December 5, 2024, letter to the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Awomolo argued that the Chief Judge’s decision reinstated Justice Nyako as the presiding judge.

Kanu’s Rejection and Defense

In response, Ejimakor countered in a letter that Justice Nyako’s recusal order from September 24 remains valid and enforceable. “Our position is based on the fact that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and to date, that order remains extant and subsisting. It has not been set aside by any competent court,” Ejimakor argued.

He accused the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court, insisting that Kanu no longer has a case before Justice Nyako.

During the previous court proceedings, Kanu expressed his mistrust in Justice Nyako’s impartiality, citing her alleged failure to enforce a Supreme Court directive. Addressing the court directly, Kanu stated:

“My Lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. I can understand it if the DSS refused to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.”

Kanu emphasized that his objection was not personal but rooted in his frustration with a trial he believes contravenes constitutional provisions.

Prosecution’s Position

Awomolo, however, dismissed Kanu’s objections as baseless, urging the court to proceed with the trial. “My Lord, you should not recuse yourself on the basis of this mere observation which does not have anything to do with the Supreme Court. It is an incompetent observation. We urge this court to proceed with the hearing,” he argued.

Kanu responded by presenting a document he claimed was a Supreme Court ruling that questioned the impartiality of the trial court.

Judge’s Decision

In the September 24 session, Justice Nyako formally recused herself, declaring:

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”

 

A History of Controversy

Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. Detained at the Kuje Correctional Facility, he was granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. However, after a military raid on his home, Kanu fled the country, eventually returning to the UK.

In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya under contentious circumstances and extradited to Nigeria, where he has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Repeated applications for bail have been denied by Justice Nyako, fueling tensions between the defense and the prosecution.

What’s Next?

The controversy over Justice Nyako’s role and the Federal Government’s bid to resume the trial continues to unfold. With no formal resolution, Kanu’s trial remains in legal limbo, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process.