Fouad Oki, a leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned his party against reinstating Mudashiru Obasa, the removed Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Oki, a critical face within the party, warned that reinstating Obasa against the wish of his colleagues at the Assembly would amount to denigrating the party in the eyes of the public.
According to him, the APC must listen to the voices of the lawmakers who removed Obasa, consider the various reports in the media about the incident as well as the feedbacks from Lagosians concerning the action of the legislators.
He further reiterated the independence of the legislative arm of government in the state in a letter dated February 4, 2025 and addressed to the party leadership in the state.
Read the letter below:
Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
C/O All Progressives Congress (APC),
ACME Road,
Agidingbi,
Ikeja,
Lagos
ATTENTION: GAC led by Papa Prince Tajudeen Olusi
Dear Esteemed Leaders of our Party,
RE: LAGOS SPEAKERSHIP: ITS TIME TO STOP ALL SHENANIGANS SUROUNDING THE CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP SAGA
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you today not just as a concerned member of our great party, but as a critical stakeholder who deeply cares about the unity and progress of our beloved APC.
The recent developments surrounding the issue of the Speakership and the decision of the Lagos State House of Assembly to replace the erstwhile Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, have sparked considerable debate and concern within our ranks. I understand that this decision may have come as a surprise to many, and it is evident that a very few members of the leadership and indeed the Party membership have feelings of discontent regarding the manner in which it was executed.
It is important to acknowledge that perhaps there were missteps in engaging with party leadership prior to this decision. However, we must recognize that the decision has been made, and it stands as a fait accompli.
In light of this, I appeal to your compassion and wisdom to allow the legislature the independence it deserves.
We must not allow this situation to further polarize our party, which is already grappling with internal cohesion. As the Yoruba proverb says, “Obe ti ge Omo l’owo, se ki a wa so obe nu ni?” meaning, the knife has already chopped the child’s finger, should we therefore throw away the knife?
It is time for us to move forward, to chastise where necessary, but ultimately to embrace the change that has been set in motion. It is crucial to recognize that the decision made by the Lagos legislature has garnered significant support from various sectors of society, including traditional, social, and human rights communities.
This bold statement reflects a desire for progress and reform, and it is imperative that we, as leaders of the APC, do not dismiss the voices of the people. Ignoring this sentiment could lead to political dangers that may jeopardize our party’s standing and unity. It is instructive to note that public opinion and community support play crucial roles in shaping political decisions and the overall functioning of democratic governance. Therefore, we must listen to their feeling and favourability of the preference made by these legislators as to who should be primus inter pares amongst them.
The historical context and political culture of Lagos shape how parties respond to community feedback. Lagos is a cosmopolitan area with a strong tradition of grassroots activism, I earnestly wish that our Party will be more inclined to engage with community members and incorporate their feedback into how we handle this keg of gun powder.
Let us utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the effectiveness of our adaptations to community feedback. By continuously assessing our responsiveness and making data-driven decisions, as leaders, we can enhance our relevance, strengthen our connection with our constituents, and improve our chances of electoral success better especially within the context of the current tide with young voters.
Afterall, elected officials and political leaders derive our legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Public opinion serves as a barometer of how well leaders are meeting the needs and expectations of their constituents. When leaders act in accordance with the will of the people, we reinforce our legitimacy; when we ignore public sentiment, we risk losing support and facing accountability measures, such as elections or protests.
As Politicians we often look to public opinion polls and community feedback to guide our decisions. Understanding the preferences and priorities of our constituents always help us craft policies that resonate with the electorate, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation and public support. A Political Party that aligns its platform with the prevailing sentiments of the electorate is more likely to win elections. Community support can mobilize voters, influence turnout, and sway undecided voters, making it a critical factor in competitive races.
The media has spoken on the popular wish of Lagosians and that plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion by framing issues, highlighting certain perspectives, and providing a platform for community voices. As politicians, we must respond to media coverage and public discourse, adjusting our positions or strategies based on how issues are perceived by the public. This we must take due cognisance and act appropriately.
By actively listening to our constituents and responding to their needs, it enhances our appeal, strengthen our electoral prospects, and fulfill our role as representatives of the public interest. This must not be lost on us and it is very imperative that as leaders, we harken to the cry of our constituent to sheath our sword.
I urge you to consider the implications of prolonging this discord. Let us not allow our internal disagreements to overshadow the greater goal of serving the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. The strength of our party lies in our ability to adapt, to listen, and to unite for the common good.
In closing, I implore you to harken to the voice of reason and allow the sleeping dog to lie. Let us focus on building a stronger, more cohesive APC that reflects the aspirations of our people. The path forward may be challenging, but together, we can navigate these waters with grace and integrity.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust in your wisdom and leadership to guide us through this pivotal moment.
Fouad Alade Oki
