The once-formidable Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the powerhouse behind Lagos politics, is now at the center of a fierce political storm. Created by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor, the council has long been the apex decision-making body in the state. However, its influence is now being questioned, with growing calls for its dissolution amid internal divisions and increasing public scrutiny.
Cracks in the GAC: A System in Question
Founded in 1999, the GAC has been instrumental in shaping Lagos politics, determining who rises and falls within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, critics argue that the council has outlived its usefulness, becoming a liability to Tinubu and the state government rather than an asset.
The council, currently led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, consists of 30 influential figures, including former governors, senators, and senior political stakeholders. These power brokers have historically steered the affairs of over 24 million Lagos residents, often making decisions behind closed doors. However, with mounting internal tensions, the once-unified bloc is now split into factions: the Justice Forum (JF) and the Mandate Movement (MM), each fighting for dominance.
The Fall of a Speaker: Obasa’s Ouster and GAC’s Influence
One of the most significant signs of the GAC’s declining cohesion is the recent removal of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. Once seen as an untouchable figure in Lagos politics, Obasa was impeached by 32 out of 40 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, over allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct.
His alleged offenses included the misallocation of ₦44 billion in funds for vehicles and capital projects, sparking public outrage. While Obasa has denied any wrongdoing, political insiders suggest that his fall was orchestrated by GAC members who saw him as a threat to the status quo.
Tinubu’s Verdict: The President Intervenes
Amid the turmoil, President Tinubu reportedly held a high-stakes meeting at his Ikoyi residence, where he expressed frustration over Obasa’s actions. Sources say Tinubu rebuked the former speaker for disrespecting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and undermining the party structure.
Adding fuel to the fire, Tinubu’s son, Seyi, raised a crucial question during the meeting: Why maintain factions within the party if they fail to unite it? This moment reportedly left many attendees in deep reflection, further emphasizing the cracks within the GAC.
The Zoning Controversy: A Battle for Political Balance
Obasa’s removal triggered another major debate: zoning. His replacement, Mojisola Meranda, is from Lagos Central, the same district as Governor Sanwo-Olu, disrupting the previous political balance where Lagos Central, Lagos East, and Lagos West each held key positions.
With Lagos West left without a major political seat, concerns arose that the imbalance could fuel political unrest. Tinubu, aware of Lagos’s volatile electoral landscape after losing the state to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, reportedly urged GAC members to rectify the situation. However, lawmakers from Lagos West rejected calls to reinstate Obasa, solidifying his political downfall.
Lagos Indigenes vs. Non-Indigenes: An Unsettling Rift
Another controversial issue brewing within the GAC is the divide between Lagos indigenes and non-indigenes. Some native Lagosians within the council believe Tinubu has empowered too many non-indigenes in key political positions. Allegedly backed by certain traditional rulers, these figures are now pushing for greater representation of Lagos-born politicians in governance, further intensifying internal tensions.
The Future of the GAC: Power Shift or Political Extinction?
With its influence waning and internal battles raging, the GAC’s future hangs in the balance. Once the undisputed kingmakers of Lagos politics, the group now faces unprecedented challenges that could redefine its role—or lead to its demise.
As the political chessboard shifts, one thing remains certain: the days of uncontested rule in Lagos are over, and the struggle for dominance has only just begun.
