The Lagos State House of Assembly has vehemently denied reports claiming that 27 of its members are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP). In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Assembly described the publication as “entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
The Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi had on Tuesday claimed that, 27 lawmakers were warming up to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defect the LP
But a statement, signed by Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, dismissed the report as “not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods.” According to Ogundipe, the publication serves no purpose other than to “sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.”
The Assembly also addressed recent developments within the House, including the removal of the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker. Ogundipe clarified that these changes were “purely internal matters” carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party,” Ogundipe stated. “We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.”
The statement further reassured party leaders and supporters across the state that all members remain committed to the ruling party. “We were elected under the leadership of the ruling party, and the party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State,” Ogundipe said.
He attributed the false report to “agents of destabilization” seeking to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly. Ogundipe also called on media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public.
“Any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms,” he added. “There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.”
The Lagos State House of Assembly’s statement comes amid heightened political activity in the state, with recent leadership changes sparking speculation about potential defections. However, the Assembly has firmly dismissed such claims, urging the public to disregard the report.
As the political landscape in Lagos continues to evolve, the Assembly has reiterated its commitment to stability and unity within the ruling party, emphasizing its focus on delivering good governance to the people of the state.
