From Moshood Karim
The Labour Party (LP) has initiated legal proceedings to challenge the continued occupancy of seats by six of its defected lawmakers in the House of Representatives, following their shift to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest of these defections occurred on Thursday, when Akangbe Illiya, representing the Jos South/Jos East constituency in Plateau State, joined the APC, deepening concerns within the opposition party.
In a statement, LP spokesperson Obiorah Ifo expressed regret over Illiya’s decision, calling it “unfortunate and condemnable.” While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional right to change political affiliations, Ifo stressed that the Labour Party is invoking Section 68(g) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which addresses the implications of lawmakers switching parties.
The section stipulates that lawmakers who defect from the parties that sponsored them must vacate their seats.
The LP has formally approached the courts, seeking a declaration that the seats of the defected members be declared vacant. The party also aims to recover any salaries, allowances, and privileges these lawmakers have received since their defection. The Labour Party has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to enforce these constitutional provisions.
“The failure of Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abass to act on this issue is deeply concerning,” the statement continued, referring to the Speaker’s refusal to declare the seats of defecting lawmakers vacant. The LP also questioned the motivations behind the lawmakers’ defection to the APC, but refrained from commenting further, stressing that the focus should remain on constitutional adherence.
The party has sharply criticised the defectors for abandoning their constituents and warned that they have compromised their integrity. “Those who abandon the people they were elected to serve at such a critical juncture are the ones who deserve our pity,” the statement concluded.
In the past fortnight, a total of six Labour Party lawmakers have switched allegiance to the APC, citing internal leadership disputes within the party. The Labour Party has pledged to pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the defections and uphold its political standing.
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