The Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned the defection of five lawmakers from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling the move as a betrayal of public trust.
The lawmakers, who include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau), formally announced their shift during a plenary session in the House of Representatives.
Their defection has sparked outrage within the party, which vowed to take legal action to reclaim the seats and their mandates.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the defectors’ actions as “irrational” and “untenable,” stating that they violated the 1999 Constitution, which restricts elected officials from switching parties without justifiable cause.
“According to Section 68(g) of the Constitution, lawmakers can only defect in the event of a party division or merger — conditions that do not apply in this case.
“Their defection is a direct violation of their constitutional oath and an affront to the democratic process,” Ifoh said.
“These individuals were elected under the Labour Party banner, benefiting from the support of millions of Nigerians who voted for change.
“Their decision to jump ship for personal gain is both morally and legally wrong,” he added.
