The Labour Party (LP) has accused the Lagos State House of Assembly of attempting to suppress the democratic rights of its members following reports that 27 lawmakers plan to defect to the LP. This accusation comes in response to a statement by Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, denying any such defection plans.
In a press release signed by Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, National Publicity Secretary of the LP, the party described the Assembly’s denial as “a desperate attempt to suppress the truth and undermine the democratic rights of lawmakers to freely associate with any political party of their choice.”
The LP claims that several Assembly members have approached the party, expressing interest in joining its ranks. This surge in interest is attributed to the “unprecedented reconciliatory exploits” of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, and National Secretary, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, which the LP believes has unsettled the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and positioned the LP as the major opposition party.
The internal turmoil within the Lagos Assembly, highlighted by the recent impeachment of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, has reportedly created a “toxic environment.” This situation has left many members questioning their future within the ruling party.
The LP’s statement suggests that any attempt to remove Speaker Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, could trigger mass defections to the LP.
The LP also criticized the Assembly’s leadership for condemning defection plans, especially given the recent wave of defections from the LP and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC at both federal and state levels. The party cited instances such as Hon. Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Okere (Imo), and Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo) defecting from the LP, and Senator Ned Nwoko from the PDP to the APC.
Dr. Abayomi emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right of every citizen, including lawmakers, to freely associate with any political party. He referenced Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits defection if there’s a division within a party, stating, “The ongoing crisis in the Lagos Assembly clearly constitutes a division, making it lawful for any member to defect if they so wish.”
The LP’s statement further criticized the Assembly’s leadership for treating lawmakers as “mere puppets” incapable of making informed decisions about their political futures. The party called on the Assembly’s leadership to cease intimidating its members and to respect their constitutional rights.
The Labour Party extended an invitation to all progressive-minded individuals committed to good governance and transparency to join its mission to rebuild Lagos and Nigeria. The party reaffirmed its belief that democracy thrives when individuals can make choices without fear or coercion.
