The Labour Party has strongly condemned the defection of five of its House of Representatives members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their actions as a betrayal of democratic values and party loyalty. The party has called on the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, to declare the defectors’ seats vacant in line with constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party named the defectors as Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Their defection letters were officially submitted and read out in the House of Representatives.
Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, the party emphasized that lawmakers elected under a party’s platform cannot defect unless there is a division or merger within the party. It clarified that no such circumstances exist within the Labour Party, making the defections unconstitutional.
“The defection is unfortunate, irrational, and inconsistent with the principles of democracy,” the statement read. The party expressed disappointment, noting that these lawmakers owed their election victories to the Labour Party’s support rather than personal influence or resources.
The Labour Party recounted the sacrifices made to empower working-class Nigerians, including the defectors, to win elections. It particularly highlighted Donatus Mathew’s election, which followed the assassination of the party’s Women Leader, Victoria Chintex, in 2022. The party dismissed Mathew’s claim of isolation as the only Labour representative in the North West, calling it disrespectful to those who fought for his success.
In response to the defections, the Labour Party announced plans to establish a “Hall of Shame,” a register that will publicly document the names of defecting lawmakers who refuse to relinquish their mandates. This list will include both Senators and House Representatives.
The party has also directed its legal team to initiate proceedings to reclaim its mandates and ensure that the Speaker declares the defectors’ seats vacant, as required by House Rules. The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting the integrity of its platform.
