The Labour Party (LP) has vowed to pursue legal actions to declare vacant the seats of four lawmakers who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their actions as unconstitutional and a betrayal of public trust.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemned the defections, which included lawmakers Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau).
Ifoh emphasized that the party would invoke Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution to reclaim the seats, stating it was inappropriate for the lawmakers to retain their mandates after switching parties.
“The Labour Party will not let this slide. Our legal team has been instructed to commence action against the defectors, and we will also petition the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare their seats vacant. This is about upholding democracy and accountability,” Ifoh stated.
In response to allegations of internal wrangling as the reason for the defections, LP caucus leader George Ozodinobi dismissed the claims, asserting that the party remains unified and ideologically driven. “These defections are fueled by personal interest, not genuine grievances. The people who voted for them will hold them accountable in 2027,” he added.
House Minority Whip Ali Isa criticized the defectors’ decision, calling it unfortunate given the economic challenges faced by Nigerians under APC leadership. He joined calls for their seats to be declared vacant, highlighting the need to prioritize public trust over opportunism.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, welcomed the defectors to the APC, calling it “the biggest political party in Africa,” as APC members enthusiastically celebrated their new colleagues.
Ifoh also revealed plans to create a “Hall of Shame” for defectors, emphasizing the need to isolate political opportunists who undermine democratic principles. He reminded Nigerians of LP’s commitment to inclusivity, recounting how the party empowered grassroots candidates in the 2023 elections, many of whom achieved significant victories due to widespread public support.