The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the defection of four of its lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), announcing plans to seek legal action to have their seats declared vacant.
The announcement followed the reading of their defection letters by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a plenary session of the House of Representatives. The defectors include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo).
In a statement, LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the defections as “unfortunate and inconsistent with democratic norms.” Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, Ifoh emphasized that lawmakers who leave the
The defecting lawmakers include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo). Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, also joined the APC, marking a significant shift in her political alignment.
LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the defections as “unfortunate, irrational, and inconsistent with democratic norms.” He referenced Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates conditions for lawful defection and its consequences.
Ifoh emphasized that the party would not overlook the defections, instructing its legal team to initiate action to reclaim the seats and to urge the Speaker to declare them vacant. “It is inappropriate and unacceptable for these lawmakers to continue representing their constituencies under the Labour Party’s mandate while aligning with another party,” he stated.
The LP also announced plans to establish a “Hall of Shame” register to document the names of defectors and other party members engaging in acts considered disloyal or fraudulent. Ifoh called on Nigerians to reject politicians with no clear democratic ideology, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over public service.
In response to claims by the defectors that internal crises prompted their decisions, LP leaders dismissed the allegations, insisting that the party remains united. LP caucus leader George Ozodinobi and Minority Whip Ali Isa criticized the defections as opportunistic and urged the Speaker to act in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Despite the LP’s objections, Speaker Abbas welcomed the defectors to the APC, calling it “the biggest political party in Africa,” as APC members celebrated their arrival.