The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the defection of its lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it a betrayal of trust.
In a dramatic move, the party announced the creation of a “Hall of Shame” to document the names of these defectors.
Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
Ifoh described the defections as a serious dishonor to the party and its supporters, who worked hard to elect these lawmakers.
The party plans to request the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the defectors’ seats vacant.
Ifoh said this action is necessary to uphold the constitution, which outlines strict conditions under which lawmakers can switch parties.
The defectors include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau).
Their letters of defection were read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on the House floor.
The Labour Party believes these lawmakers have no valid excuse for their actions.
“The defection, to us, is quite unfortunate and we condemn the action,” Ifoh said.
He called the defections “irrational, untenable, inconsistent, and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands.”
Citing Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution, Ifoh emphasized that lawmakers cannot defect without a legitimate reason, such as a division in their party.
According to him, there is no division within the Labour Party.
“The party is at peace,” he stated confidently.
He recalled the Labour Party’s historic achievements in the 2023 general elections, including winning a governorship seat and securing 35 House of Representatives positions.
“The party caused a major upset at the presidential election, one that many Nigerians still believe Labour Party won,” he added.
Despite internal challenges, the party claims to have resolved its issues through dialogue and legal channels.
Ifoh accused the defectors of betraying the trust of Nigerians who voted for them.
“These deserters did not win because of their pedigree or financial strength but because of the Labour Party’s ticket,” he said.
He lamented that the defectors abandoned their responsibilities once they enjoyed the perks of office.
“They were given N160 million limousines and other allowances, and they quickly lost focus,” Ifoh said.
The party spokesperson reminded the public of the sacrifices made by its supporters, including the assassination of Victoria Chintex, a Labour Party women leader in Kaduna.
“Hon Donatus Mathew practically spit on the grave of Chintex by defecting,” Ifoh added.
Mathew claimed he left the party because he was the only Labour representative in the Northwest, not because of any crisis.
Ifoh dismissed this excuse as disrespectful and unjustifiable.
The Labour Party also criticized the defectors for failing to support the party financially after their election victories.
“They simply forgot where they came from,” Ifoh said.
Despite the setback, the party is determined to reclaim its mandates.
“We have instructed our legal team to begin actions against these defectors,” he announced.
The party will also push for the Speaker to declare the seats of the defectors vacant.
In a bold move, the Labour Party announced the opening of a “Hall of Shame” to publicly list defectors and hold them accountable.
The first inductees include Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi and the five defecting House members.
Ifoh urged Nigerians to reject politicians who jump from party to party for personal gain.
“These political merchants must be isolated if we want democracy to thrive,” he warned.