The Labour Party (LP) is displeased with the defection of four House of Representatives members to the APC.
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, confirmed the lawmakers—Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe—joined the ruling party. Abbas cited an “internal crisis” within the LP as the reason for their defection to the APC. In response, LP’s spokesperson Obiora Ifoh announced that the party intends to take legal action against the defecting lawmakers. The party condemned the defections, calling them “inconsistent with democratic norms” and unconstitutional, violating Section 68(g).
The LP emphasized that defections are only lawful in the event of a party division or merger. The party demanded Abbas declare the lawmakers’ seats vacant, labeling their continued tenure “illegal” under Nigerian law. The LP condemned the defections as “irrational, untenable, and inconsistent,” denouncing them as contrary to democratic principles. Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution regulates when a lawmaker can defect and the consequences of such actions. The LP stressed that the Constitution requires specific conditions for lawful defection, including party division or merger, which were not met.
Despite the defections, LP’s leadership remains steadfast and has instructed its legal team to take swift legal action. The LP will also pursue regaining its mandates in accordance with the Constitution and the amended 2022 Electoral Act. The party urged the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant in line with the House Rules, asserting the lawmakers’ positions are now unlawful. The LP called the defectors’ actions inappropriate and unacceptable, urging action against such illegal conduct within the House. The party has announced the creation of a “Hall of Shame” register for defecting lawmakers and other public officers.
