The Labour Party (LP) has warned of serious consequences for four of its House of Representatives members who defected.
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, confirmed that Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe joined the APC, citing internal issues within the LP. In response, LP spokesperson Obiora Ifoh revealed the party will pursue legal action against the defecting lawmakers for violating democratic principles. The party condemned the defections, citing Section 68(g) of Nigeria’s Constitution, which regulates lawful defections by elected representatives.
LP emphasized that defections are only allowed when there is a division within the party or a merger. The party called on Abbas to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, arguing that their continued tenure is “illegal” under the law. The party described the defections as “irrational, untenable, and inconsistent,” arguing the lawmakers acted against democratic norms. Section 68(g) of the Constitution is clear on the conditions for defection, which were not met by these lawmakers.
The LP leadership is resolute, directing its legal team to begin swift action against the defectors and reclaim its mandates. The party vowed to take necessary steps in line with the Constitution and the amended 2022 Electoral Act to protect its interests. LP also urged Abbas to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, as their tenure is now unlawful. The party condemned the lawmakers’ actions as inappropriate and vowed to hold them accountable in a new “Hall of Shame” register for defectors.
