27 Lagos Lawmakers Deny Defection Rumours Amid Assembly Crisis
Amid ongoing turbulence within the Lagos State House of Assembly, 27 lawmakers on Wednesday, February 19, firmly denied rumours suggesting their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP).
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The controversy over the alleged mass defection comes at a time of heightened political tensions following the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The former Speaker was ousted by a majority vote on January 13, 2025, and has since taken legal action to challenge his removal.
Reports indicate that Obasa has filed a case before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his removal during the Assembly’s recess was unconstitutional. The lawsuit names the Assembly and the newly installed Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as respondents.
Assembly Responds to Defection Claims
In response to the defection speculations, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, issued a strongly worded statement dismissing the reports as “malicious and unfounded.”
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the misleading publication alleging that 27 members are planning to defect from the ruling party to the Labour Party. This claim is entirely false and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public,” the statement read.
The lawmaker further accused unnamed actors of seeking to “sow discord and confusion” within the legislative body and among Lagos residents. According to Olukayode, recent developments, including the removal of Obasa and the election of Meranda, were strictly internal matters conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Crisis or Party Unity?
Despite these reassurances, the crisis within the Lagos Assembly continues to generate intense speculation. Some analysts argue that Obasa’s removal reflects deeper factional struggles within the APC, and the rumours of defection—whether true or not—underscore the potential fractures within the party.
While the lawmakers insist that they remain loyal to the APC and committed to their legislative duties, political observers suggest that the ongoing court battle and internal disagreements could lead to further instability.
In his statement, Olukayode urged media outlets to adhere to journalistic ethics and verify reports before publication, warning against the spread of misinformation. However, the statement did little to address concerns about the unresolved power struggle in the Assembly and its implications for governance in Lagos State.
As the legal battle between Obasa and the Assembly leadership unfolds, questions remain about whether party unity can be maintained or if deeper divisions will emerge in the coming weeks.
Reference
27 Lagos Lawmakers Deny Defection Rumours Amid Assembly Crisisc