The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the Lagos State House of Assembly for dismissing reports that 27 of its members are planning to defect to the opposition party. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the LP 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 statement, signed by Dr. Arabambi Abayomi, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, accused the Lagos Assembly leadership of hypocrisy, citing recent defections from the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The LP argued that if defections are celebrated when they benefit the APC, it is unjust to deny Lagos lawmakers the same right to join a party that aligns with their values and aspirations.
The LP also highlighted the internal crisis within the Lagos Assembly, including the controversial removal of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker. According to the LP, these developments have created a toxic environment, prompting some lawmakers to consider defecting to the Labour Party.
The statement further emphasized that Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) permits defection in cases of division within a party, a condition the LP claims is evident in the Lagos Assembly. The party condemned the Assembly’s leadership for treating lawmakers as “puppets” and urged them to stop intimidating members from exercising their constitutional rights.
The Labour Party reiterated its commitment to providing a viable alternative for progressive-minded individuals, welcoming those who wish to join its mission to rebuild Lagos and Nigeria. The statement concluded with a call to the media and the public to disregard the Lagos Assembly’s narrative and focus on the real issues affecting democracy.
The LP also expressed its readiness to challenge the status quo in the 2027 elections, with Peter Obi leading the charge at the national level and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos State.
