The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed rumors suggesting that 27 of its members have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP).
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ogundipe Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, described the reports as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
The Assembly also claimed that the rumors were intended to “sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.”
On Monday, there was heightened tension at the Assembly complex when armed security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services reportedly prevented Speaker Mojisola Meranda from entering the chamber for several hours. When she eventually presided over the session, she became emotional as lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
The Lagos Assembly has been dealing with a leadership crisis following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker and the election of Meranda, the first female speaker in the House. While over 36 lawmakers have pledged loyalty to Meranda, Obasa insists his removal was unlawful and has challenged it in court.
Addressing the situation, the Assembly stated that the leadership dispute is an internal matter and has no connection to any planned defection.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasise, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection,” the statement read.
The Assembly further clarified, “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 destabilisation who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.”
The House assured the public that it remains united and committed to fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Lagos State.
