Lagos Assembly Crisis: A Tumultuous Power Struggle Threatening Democratic Integrity

Lagos Assembly Crisis: A Tumultuous Power Struggle Threatening Democratic Integrity

February 18, 2025

Once a beacon of political stability in Nigeria’s commercial hub, the Lagos State House of Assembly has plunged into crisis, exposing the fragile fabric of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s influence and the deeper cracks in the state’s power dynamics. What was once a relatively quiet, bureaucratic chamber has now turned into a battleground for power, as security forces and legislators grapple over control. The crisis raises alarming questions about the erosion of democratic processes in Africa’s most populous state.

A Shocking DSS Invasion: A Violation of Legislative Autonomy

On February 17, 2025, the Assembly erupted when Department of State Services (DSS) officers stormed the legislative complex. Many decried this act as a direct assault on democracy. The DSS aimed to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who had been ousted 35 days earlier. The disturbing sight of security agents positioning themselves throughout the complex left lawmakers, staff, and visitors in a state of shock.

Lagos, a state known for its political maturity, has now witnessed the use of armed security forces to influence legislative outcomes. This breach of protocol is alarming and calls into question the integrity of democratic processes in the state. A circulating letter from the Assembly’s acting clerk requested additional security measures to prevent an attempt to force Obasa’s return. The letter, dated February 14, 2025, warned of “potential security threats” arising from these plans, indicating the stakes of this political struggle.

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The Fallout: A National Embarrassment

The events that unfolded within the Assembly have sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, prompting reactions from both local and national figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the invasion, labeling it a “reprehensible desecration of democracy.” He expressed concerns over the apparent use of security forces to resolve political disputes and called for a thorough investigation.

At the heart of the matter is not merely the dispute over who occupies the Speaker’s seat, but the broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy. The legislature’s autonomy—the very principle that separates it from the executive branch—is under siege. Lagos, once touted as a model of political maturity, now faces a crisis that exposes its vulnerability. The DSS’s involvement undermines the Assembly’s authority and threatens to derail the delicate balance of power in Nigeria.

The Role of Leadership: Calls for Intervention and Accountability

As the crisis unfolded, Lagos lawmakers rallied to defend their autonomy, describing the DSS invasion as an “embarrassment to democracy.” Despite the chaos, Speaker Mojisola Meranda and her colleagues stood their ground, passing a vote of confidence in Meranda, though the session was adjourned indefinitely due to the tense atmosphere. This gesture, however, was not enough to quiet the growing calls for intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly.

Critics argue that Tinubu, as the political leader of the APC, should refrain from further interference in state matters. His involvement risks aggravating the situation, as suggested by Bashorun Olorunfunmi, a member of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), who rejected the idea of any external intervention. According to Olorunfunmi, the Lagos Assembly, as an independent body, has the constitutional right to select its leader, and any external interference would set a dangerous precedent.

The Bigger Picture: Threatening the Rule of Law

As the dust settles, one thing becomes clear: the Lagos Assembly crisis is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of executive overreach, political instability, and the erosion of democratic values. Organizations like the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have voiced strong opposition to the role of security agencies in this internal political struggle. They argue that the political dispute should resolve through legal and democratic means, not through force or intimidation.

This crisis sends a stark message: Nigeria’s political system is fragile, and its democratic institutions are vulnerable to manipulation by powerful interests. What happened in Lagos could serve as a cautionary tale, urging citizens and political leaders alike to reflect on the importance of safeguarding the rule of law, protecting legislative independence, and upholding the values of democracy.

The Path Forward: Resolving the Crisis with Integrity

This political debacle leaves us at a crossroads. The immediate need is for calm, accountability, and respect for democratic principles. The DSS must be held to account for its actions, and all parties involved—both within the Lagos Assembly and beyond—must work to restore order through constitutional means. The leadership tussle within the Assembly must resolve without resorting to force or coercion.

As the dust settles, it is crucial for the people of Lagos—and indeed, all Nigerians—to demand transparency, fairness, and the protection of democratic processes. If this crisis is allowed to fester unchecked, it will erode the very foundations of governance and set a dangerous precedent that could haunt Nigeria for years to come.