Twenty-seven members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied rumors suggesting they have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP).
The speculation arose amid an ongoing crisis within the Assembly, fueled by attempts by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to reclaim his position. Obasa, who was removed by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, recently approached the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his removal was unlawful since the Assembly was in recess at the time.
In response to the defection rumors, Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, issued an official statement:
“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). This publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
The statement further described the reports as “offensive, riddled with inaccuracies, and designed to create discord within the Assembly and Lagos State.”
According to the statement, the recent removal of Obasa and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker were internal legislative decisions conducted in line with constitutional provisions.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection,” the statement read.
The lawmakers reassured party leaders and supporters that they remain committed to the APC, adding that any internal disagreements will be resolved amicably through democratic means.
They also urged media organizations to verify information before publication to prevent the spread of false narratives that could mislead the public.
The political crisis in the Lagos Assembly continues to generate attention, with Obasa’s legal battle expected to shape the next phase of the unfolding drama.
