The Labour Party has taken legal action over the defection of six members of the House of Representatives from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). On Thursday, Akangbe Illiya, representing Jos South/Jos East in Plateau State, joined the APC, increasing the number of Labour Party lawmakers in the House who have defected.
In a statement, Labour Party spokesman Obiorah Ifo condemned Illiya’s defection, calling it “quite unfortunate and condemnable.” While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association, the party emphasized that Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution clearly outlines the conditions under which a lawmaker can defect and the consequences of such actions.
Obiorah stated, “The party has filed a lawsuit to compel the National Assembly leadership to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant. The suit also seeks the return of any salary, emolument, or privilege received from the date of defection.”
The party further criticized the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, for failing to declare the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant, in accordance with the Constitution. The party expressed regret over the defections, noting that those who have abandoned the people at this critical time have shown themselves to be unworthy of trust.
In the span of about two weeks, six Labour Party members of the House of Representatives have joined the APC, citing a leadership crisis within the opposition party. In response, Labour Party has vowed to pursue legal action against the defecting lawmakers.