TWENTY-SEVEN members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, February 19, dismissed rumours suggesting that they have left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Labour Party (LP).
The defection rumour is coming amid the crisis rocking the Assembly.
The crisis deepened following moves by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to return to the House.
This newspaper reports that Obasa, who was removed by the majority of the lawmakers on January 13, 2025, approached the court last week to seek redress.
The lawmaker dragged the Assembly and the new Speaker, Meranda, before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, claiming that the lawmakers were wrong to have removed him when the Assembly was in recess.
Reacting to the defection rumour, a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode said: “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).
“We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serve no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.
“The recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters. These actions were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended.
“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.
“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.”