Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Meddling in Lagos Assembly Crisis as Security Operatives Seal Speaker’s Office

Amid the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pointed fingers at President Bola Tinubu, alleging that he is behind the controversial deployment of security operatives to the assembly complex.

The crisis erupted after lawmakers removed former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and replaced him with Mojisola Meranda in January. However, tensions escalated on Monday, February 17, 2025, when operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police stormed the assembly premises, sealing off the Speaker’s office. In a dramatic turn of events, staff members and some lawmakers forced their way into the office, further deepening the chaos.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to condemn the security presence at the assembly, calling it an outright attack on democracy. He strongly criticized what he described as an attempt to interfere in state politics through the use of federal security agencies.

“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 went further to accuse those in power of betraying the democracy they once fought for, arguing that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Atiku described the situation as a “landmark of indignity” to Nigerians, particularly the people of Lagos, who he believes deserve better.

“What happened at the Lagos Assembly is an attack on the sanctity of democracy. Leadership disputes in any legislative house are normal in a democracy, but calling in armed security operatives to forcefully intervene is unacceptable,” he added.

The former vice president also took a swipe at President Tinubu, urging him to focus on resolving the country’s deepening economic woes instead of interfering in state-level affairs.

“Tinubu should concentrate on pulling Nigeria out of the economic mess he created rather than meddling in Lagos politics,” he stated.

Meanwhile, security agencies have denied invading the assembly complex, claiming that they were called in to prevent an alleged move to reinstate Obasa as Speaker. Despite this, the controversy surrounding the security deployment continues to raise concerns about political interference and the use of federal forces in state matters.

As the crisis unfolds, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the situation will be resolved and whether democratic principles will prevail in the governance of Lagos State.