The Labour Party (LP) has expressed strong opposition to the defection of four of its members in the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers—Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Akiba Bassey, and Esosa Iyawe—claimed “internal crisis” within the LP as their reason for crossing over.
Reacting to the announcement by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, Obiora Ifoh, the LP spokesperson, described the move as “inconsistent with democratic norms,” vowing to pursue legal action.
“The defection, to us, is quite unfortunate and we condemn the action which is irrational, untenable, inconsistent and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands for,” the party said.
Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which regulates defections, the LP noted that lawmakers can only justify leaving their party in cases of internal division or a merger.
The party also called on the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, arguing their continued tenure violated constitutional provisions.
The party revealed plans to pursue legal measures, stating, “Though, the Labour Party leadership is undaunted by the defection, it has however, elected not to allow it slide and has therefore instructed its legal team to commence the legal actions against the defectors.
“And to also commence the process of regaining our mandates in line with the 1999 constitution and 2022 Electoral Act as amended.
“The party will also approach the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare vacant the seats occupied by these former Labour Party members in line with the House Rules.
“It is inappropriate and unacceptable for these lawmakers to continue to function as representatives of their constituencies illegally.
“The party has also decided to open a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for these lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party who engages in fraudulent act of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party.
“The defected lawmakers will feature prominently in the register.”
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