Twenty-seven members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied reports claiming they have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP).
The defection rumours surfaced amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly, which intensified following attempts by expelled Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position.
Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025. However, last week, he took legal action against the Assembly and the newly appointed Speaker, Meranda, filing a lawsuit at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja. He argued that his removal was invalid since it occurred while the Assembly was in recess.
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In response to the defection speculations, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. Otunba Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, issued a statement categorically dismissing the reports.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP),” the statement read.
Olukayode emphasised that the lawmakers remain committed to the APC and are focused on legislative duties rather than political distractions. He described the rumours as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and destabilise the Assembly amid its internal affairs.
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The political crisis within the Assembly has drawn significant public attention, with analysts speculating on the possible outcomes of Obasa’s legal battle. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders watch closely for further developments regarding the court proceedings and the leadership stability within the Lagos State legislature.
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