Lagos Assembly Crisis: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Undue Interference
Amid the deepening crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is behind the controversial deployment of security operatives to the legislative complex.
The assembly has been embroiled in turmoil following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in January and the subsequent appointment of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. The crisis escalated further on Monday, February 17, 2025, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force stormed the assembly premises, reportedly sealing off the Speaker’s office.
Eyewitness reports indicate that legislators and staff members forcibly gained access to the office, defying the security barricade. This development has sparked widespread criticism, with Atiku issuing a strong condemnation via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Atiku Condemns ‘Security Invasion’
Atiku denounced the presence of armed security operatives in the assembly, describing it as an affront to democracy. He alleged that the intervention was orchestrated by President Tinubu and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. It must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation. It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly have a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House,” Atiku stated.
He further criticized the involvement of federal security agencies in what he described as an internal legislative affair, accusing the Tinubu administration of undermining democratic principles.
“It is appalling that those who once championed democracy are now enabling its desecration. This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, particularly the people of Lagos. Leadership disputes are not uncommon in democratic systems, but calling in armed operatives to resolve them is an aberration that must be rejected,” he added.
Atiku also urged the president to focus on resolving Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges rather than meddling in state-level political affairs.
Security Operatives Deny Allegations
However, security agencies have refuted claims that they forcibly invaded the assembly. In a counterstatement, both the DSS and police authorities maintained that they were invited to prevent an alleged attempt to reinstate Obasa as Speaker.
“The presence of security operatives at the Lagos State House of Assembly was a proactive measure to maintain law and order amid rising tensions. The claim that the assembly was ‘invaded’ is entirely misleading,” a police spokesperson stated.
Broader Political Implications
The ongoing crisis in the Lagos State Assembly underscores deep-seated political divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in Tinubu’s political stronghold. The controversy raises concerns over the use of federal security agencies in state-level disputes and whether such actions erode the independence of legislative institutions.
With mounting public scrutiny and opposition outcry, the coming days will determine whether the Lagos Assembly crisis is an isolated political skirmish or a sign of deeper instability in Nigeria’s democratic governance.
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Lagos Assembly Crisis: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Undue Interference