The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Obiorah Ifoh, has firmly asserted that the opposition party is not experiencing any internal divisions, despite ongoing reports of lawmakers defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ifoh’s comments come in the wake of Ajang Iliya’s recent announcement of his defection to the APC, marking him as the sixth Labour Party member to leave the party. Other notable defectors include Tochukwu Okere from Imo, Donatus Mathew from Kaduna, Bassey Akiba from Cross River, Iyawe Esosa from Edo, and Daulyop Fom from Plateau.
In an interview, Ifoh emphasized the party’s commitment to reclaiming its mandate through constitutional avenues from those who previously utilized its platform to gain seats in the National Assembly but have since chosen to switch allegiances.
While acknowledging that some senators are contemplating a move to the APC, Ifoh stated that the national leadership is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action in accordance with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He remarked, “Following the general elections, the Labour Party secured eight Senate seats and 35 seats in the House of Representatives. However, we did lose one senatorial seat through legal challenges.”
Ifoh further noted the recent departures of six House of Representatives members, asserting that these actions violate Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers must relinquish the mandate given to them by the party before defecting.
“Despite a clause in the Constitution allowing members to change parties in the event of a crisis within their original party, it is essential to clarify that the Labour Party is currently crisis-free,” he stated.
He added that the party’s leadership has been validated by the courts, and previous attempts by certain leaders to instigate discord were effectively addressed with judicial support.
Ifoh confirmed that the party is challenging the defections in court, seeking to have those who defected relinquish their mandates and return any improperly received allowances and benefits.
Addressing the potential for further defections among senators, Ifoh acknowledged the pressures from other parties to attract them but expressed optimism that many would remain loyal to the Labour Party. “While it is conceivable that one or two may yield to pressure, numerous senators have reaffirmed their allegiance to our leadership.
We believe that rationality will prevail, especially now that the party has successfully navigated its earlier challenges. For those considering defection, we will ensure that constitutional measures are enforced,” he concluded.
