APC Members Slam GAC Over Meranda’s Election As Lagos Speaker

Members of the Progressives Alliance, a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos West, have criticized the election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Naija News reports that the group accused the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members from Lagos West of failing to protect their zone’s political interests.

The backlash follows the removal of former Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, who represented Agege Constituency 1 in Lagos West, on January 13, 2025.

Obasa was impeached by a majority of House members while abroad, with allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office cited as the reasons for his removal.

Hon. Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1 in Lagos Central, was subsequently elected as Speaker.

The Progressives Alliance, through a statement signed by its Secretary, Hon. Segun Banjo, argued that Lagos West, which accounts for 20 of the 40 Assembly seats, deserved to retain the Speakership in line with principles of equity.

“We have no issue with Obasa’s removal. Our concern is that the lawmakers, in electing Meranda, were not well guided,” the statement read.

The group expressed disappointment that Lagos Central, the zone of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was handed the position, sidelining the zone with the largest electoral strength in votes and APC membership.

“It is appalling and disturbing that the Speakership position was handed over to Lagos Central, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also hails from. This decision disregards the principles of fair distribution of political offices, which should reflect both religious and sectional interests,” they added.

The aggrieved members further criticised prominent Lagos West GAC figures, including Alhaji Mutiu Aare, former Deputy Governor Adejoke Adefulire, former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, APC State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, and former State Chairman Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale.

They accused them of failing to safeguard the political rights of Lagos West.

“They betrayed our trust and failed in their duty to ensure Lagos West retains its rightful position in the Assembly’s leadership.

“In any case, we leave them to posterity to judge their actions,” the statement said.