- Omo-Agege confident of APC victory in Delta 2027, urges unity
The Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has described the recent leadership crisis and chaos in the Lagos State House of Assembly as an eyesore and embarrassment to the nation’s democracy.
The PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Hakeem Olalemi, in a statement, on Tuesday, in Lagos State, said that the leadership crisis stagnated the state for about two months.
Olalemi noted that the crisis did not only bring setbacks to the state but also to democracy.
“The crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is nothing short of an eyesore and an embarrassment to democracy in Lagos State.
“The leadership tussle, which has seen both Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda laying claim to the position of Speaker, threw the legislative arm into disarray.
“It is sad that the situation was further complicated by the presence of two clerks of the assembly with each asserting authority.
“This is the time for the people of Lagos to free themselves by electing a party that is truly democratic and a party that will allow them to aspire for any position without interference
“It is time for a new initiative in the governance of Lagos State,” Olalemi said.
The PDP chieftain said that the crisis had exposed deep cracks within the state’s power dynamics, revealing a lack of cohesion and effective conflict-resolution mechanisms within the ruling government.
According to him, the chaotic scenario has tarnished the image of the ruling party.
“The crisis which began with the removal of Obasa on January 13, 2025, amid allegations of abuse of office, financial misappropriations, and misconduct escalated to full-blown chaos and despite the intervention of key political figures and the Governance Advisory Council, the crisis festered and stagnated the state.
“The Assembly has been unable to function effectively, with staff being directed to work remotely to ensure their safety.
“The situation in the Lagos State House of Assembly can be seen as a manifestation of the “sit-tight syndrome” within the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“This phenomenon, where political leaders cling to power at all costs, has led to a stagnation in the party’s developmental initiatives, prioritising personal gains for cronies over the welfare of the people,” he added.
According to him, the crisis is a significant setback for the APC government in Lagos State.
“It erodes public trust and sends a wrong signal to the aspiring youth, highlighting the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and a renewed commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
“The people of the state should see this crisis as a signal for the need to change the APC as a party in Lagos State.
“The party has become redundant and lacks new governance initiatives to drive the economy of the state and to improve the welfare of its people rather they are on the self-aggrandizement mission,” he said.
The crisis began with the removal of Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly on January 13, 2025, amid allegations of abuse of office and misconduct, and has escalated to full-blown chaos.
Thirty-two of the 40-member legislative arm impeached Obasa and replaced him with his deputy, Mrs Mojisola Meranda.
After defying the intervention of key political figures and the Governance Advisory Council for weeks, the APC leadership on Monday resolved the impasse for peace to reign.
APC’ll end PDP’s reign in Delta in 2027, says Omo-Agege
Leveraging President Bola Tinubu’s landmark economic reforms and internal restructuring, as well as widespread discontent with the Oborevwori administration’s failures, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has confidently predicted an All Progressives Congress victory in the 2027 Delta State governorship election.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Koko, Warri North, Omo-Agege reflected on the APC’s narrow loss in the 2023 governorship election, vowing to unseat the ruling PDP in the forthcoming election.
“We came so close in 2023, but fell short by a whisker. However, we’ve learned from our mistakes and are now more determined than ever to win Delta State for the APC,” he said.
Omo-Agege rallied supporters, addressed post-election grievances, and rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of 4,000 votes for APC and 10,000 for PDP in Warri North, alleging systemic rigging by PDP.
“Our votes were organic; theirs were products of writing,” he charged, recalling the PDP’s dubious record of delivering 68,000 votes in the area.
Omo-Agege vigorously defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, highlighting the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification.
While acknowledging the initial hardships, he framed these measures as crucial for Nigeria’s and Delta State’s future development.
“Although increased fuel, food and forex prices cause pain, President Tinubu’s wise decision-making will yield a better future,” Omo-Agege stated.
He noted that Delta State now receives more funds, as President Tinubu channels savings to states beyond Abuja.
This, he believes, will have a transformative impact, tying the APC’s 2027 prospects to the president’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
The Delta State APC leader acknowledged strategic mistakes in response to stakeholders’ critiques, including the failure to integrate new members, which led to the alienation of loyalists.
“We’ve paid the price for this oversight. I should have fostered a stronger bond between old and new members. That error had significant consequences,” he admitted.
He urged PDP members to defect, describing the ruling party as a “sinking ship” on the brink of collapse.
He acknowledged that APC faces similar unity challenges, and downplayed internal friction as “growing pains” ahead of 2027.
“Post-congress disputes are not unique to us; even the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts,” he argued.
The APC chieftain criticized members who boycotted polls due to grievances, labeling it self-sabotage.
“Why stay home? Vote first, defend your votes, and then resolve issues. By staying away, we all lose,” he said, lamenting missed opportunities to secure seats in Asaba.
With humility, he acknowledged: “I’m no different from you. I make mistakes,” and pledged inclusive stakeholder engagement, emphasizing that: “2027 demands unity. We must put aside divisions between old and new members and work together towards a common goal.”
Reiterating claims of being “robbed” of victory in the 2023 governorship election and Supreme Court ruling, Omo-Agege projected optimism, asserting that Tinubu’s policies would stabilize the economy by 2027, making APC the “natural choice” for voters seeking “democratic dividends.”
Concluding with a rallying cry, Omo-Agege declared: “2027 is our date with destiny. With Tinubu’s vision and achievements and our collective resolve, Delta will flip!”