The Labour Party has initiated legal proceedings regarding the departure of six House of Representatives members from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Thursday, Akangbe Illiya, the representative for Jos South/Jos East in Plateau State, joined the APC, contributing to the increasing number of former Labour Party members in the House of Representatives.
In a statement released by spokesman Obiorah Ifo, the Labour Party condemned Illiya’s switch to the APC, calling it “quite unfortunate and condemnable.”
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of association, the party pointed out that Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution clearly outlines the circumstances under which a lawmaker can defect and the consequences for those endorsed by a political party who choose to leave.
Obiorah announced that the party has filed a lawsuit to urge the National Assembly leadership to declare the seats of the defecting Labour Party lawmakers as vacant. The legal action also seeks the return of any salaries, benefits, or privileges received since their defection.
The party expressed that it is unnecessary to investigate why many defectors opted for the APC or why the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass, has not adhered to constitutional requirements by declaring their seats vacant.
Moreover, the Labour Party indicated that it is the politicians who have turned their backs on the people during this critical time who deserve sympathy, as they have shown themselves to be unworthy of public trust in the future.
In the span of about two weeks, six House of Representatives members have shifted from the Labour Party to the APC, citing internal leadership issues within one of Nigeria’s leading opposition parties. Following these deflections, the Labour Party stated its intention to pursue legal action against the lawmakers.
