The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has dismissed reports that 27 members of the State House of Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP)......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
Speaking with THE WHISTLER on Wednesday, the APC spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, described the reports as a political stunt by the Labour Party.
“(There is) nothing like that. It is just the Labour Party that is busy chasing shadows. Apparently they want to leverage whatever ground they have to let people know that they are still breathing. There is nothing like that, absolutely nothing,” Oladejo told THE WHISTLER.
While criticizing the LP, he emphasized that there was no crisis within the Assembly that could prompt such defections.
“They have our mandate (lawmakers) and they are going to make sure that they carry out the mandate as given to them by voters in Lagos State. There is nothing happening that could call for any kind of defection. What is happening in the Labour Party? Does that party still exist?” he asserted.
Oladejo further stated that the situation within the Assembly was an internal matter and assured that any issues would be resolved appropriately. He maintained that there was nothing for the opposition to exploit.
Also, the Lagos State House of Assembly, through its Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, also dismissed the defection reports, calling them “malicious, unfounded, and misleading.”
In a statement, the Assembly urged the public to disregard the claims, clarifying that recent leadership changes—including the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement—were internal matters conducted in line with constitutional provisions.
“We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serves no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State,” the statement read.
Olukayode assured APC leaders and supporters that all lawmakers remain committed to the ruling party and its agenda for Lagos State. He also condemned the spread of misinformation, warning against attempts to destabilize the House.
“We were elected under the Leadership of the Ruling Party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State. The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilization who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.
“To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.
“We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public,” Olukayode added.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Labour Party Chairman, Dayo Ekong, dismissed the reports but stated that the party remains open to those who align with its values.
“Those are insinuations,” Ekong told THE WHISTLER. “When we get to that bridge we will cross it. As you know, the Labour Party is a political party that is open to people who are ready to align with what we stand for.”