By DAYO ADESULU
The ongoing tensions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Speaker Mudashiru Obasa highlight significant political rifts in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu’s public reprimand of Obasa over the controversial 2024 Local Council Administration Law reflects broader concerns regarding governance and party unity within Lagos State.
Obasa’s assertive claims about his qualifications and ambitions for the governorship, particularly in light of his comments during the 2025 budget presentation, suggest a growing rivalry that could impact the political landscape. His push for the Local Government Administration Law is perceived as a strategic maneuver to solidify his influence and position loyalists in key administrative roles, which raises questions about the implications for local governance and political stability in the state.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this power struggle will affect the APC’s cohesion and the governance of Lagos, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon. The dynamics between Tinubu and Obasa could have lasting effects on both their political careers and the party’s future in the state.
Political rivalries can significantly influence local governance in various ways:
1. **Policy Direction**: Rivalries often lead to differing visions for local policies and governance. Competing factions may prioritize conflicting agendas, which can create inconsistencies in policy implementation and service delivery.
2. **Resource Allocation**: Rivals may manipulate budget allocations and resources to benefit their supporters or undermine their opponents. This can lead to unequal development across regions and exacerbate existing disparities.
3. **Legislative Gridlock**: Intense rivalries can result in a lack of cooperation between local government bodies, leading to legislative gridlock. This can stall important initiatives, budgeting processes, and policy changes, affecting the overall functioning of local governance.
4. **Public Trust and Engagement**: Political rivalries can erode public trust in local government. When citizens perceive their leaders as more focused on personal or party conflicts than on community needs, it can lead to disengagement and apathy among the electorate.
5. **Administrative Appointments**: Rivalries may influence the appointment of key officials in local government. Leaders may favor loyalists over qualified candidates, which can affect the competency and effectiveness of local administration.
6. **Elections and Campaigns**: Rivalries often intensify during elections, leading to increased political campaigning and mobilization. This can heighten tensions and even lead to conflicts, impacting the stability of local governance.
7. **Community Division**: Political rivalries can create divisions within communities, leading to polarization among residents. This can result in social unrest and decreased collaboration on community issues.
8. **Accountability and Transparency**: In highly competitive political environments, accountability mechanisms may weaken as rival factions focus on undermining each other rather than ensuring good governance and transparency.
Overall, political rivalries can complicate the governance landscape, making it challenging to achieve cohesive and effective local administration.
