Labour Party Criticize Lawmakers’ Defection to APC a Betrayal, Unveils ‘Hall of Shame
The Labour Party (LP) has expressed disappointment over the defection of several of its members in the House of Representatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemned the move, describing it as regrettable.
Ifoh revealed that the LP has created a “Hall of Shame” to document the names of these defectors, who, according to the party, have not only betrayed their political affiliation but also the many supporters who voted them into office under the LP’s banner.
He further stated that the party intends to petition the Speaker of the House of Representatives, asking for the affected lawmakers’ seats to be declared vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Expressing the party’s dissatisfaction, Ifoh remarked, “The leadership of the Labour Party is deeply dismayed by the defections of some of our lawmakers to the APC. These lawmakers include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Their defection was announced on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.”
He added, “This defection is unfortunate and we strongly oppose it. It is irrational, unjustifiable, and contrary to the democratic principles that should guide such actions.”
Ifoh pointed out that Section 68(g) of the Nigerian Constitution is clear on the issue of defection. The law stipulates that a lawmaker who was elected under one political party cannot join another without causing their seat to become vacant, unless due to a party division or merger.
Reflecting on the Labour Party’s history, Ifoh emphasized the party’s continued presence in Nigerian politics since its formation in 2002, noting that it has produced a governor and various elected officials. He further pointed out that the party’s performance in the 2023 general elections, under the leadership of Julius Abure, was especially significant, with the LP securing governorship, Senate, and House of Representatives seats, and playing a pivotal role in the presidential election.
“The Labour Party’s remarkable success in 2023 brought us closer to the masses, and while we faced some internal challenges, these have been addressed through both internal processes and the judiciary,” he said.
He emphasized that there is now peace within the party, which has resolved its earlier challenges, and reiterated that no elected representative on the LP ticket is entitled to abandon the party without forfeiting their mandate.
Ifoh also defended the LP’s inclusive approach, which has provided opportunities for Nigerians from various walks of life to engage in the political process. He explained that, in contrast to other major parties, the LP offered free membership and nomination forms, enabling many people, including ordinary workers and youth, to contest elections.
“The candidates who have now defected did not win their positions because of their wealth or political pedigree. They were successful because of the Labour Party ticket and the support of millions of Nigerians who were eager to end the dominance of a few elites,” Ifoh asserted.
He also lamented the betrayal of those who now switch allegiance to the APC, accusing them of disrespecting the party and its supporters, particularly citing Donatus Mathew, who had been elected after the tragic assassination of LP’s Kaduna Women Leader, Victoria Chintex.
While the LP has vowed to take legal action to reclaim its mandate, Ifoh called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the seats of the defectors vacant as a matter of principle and in line with constitutional guidelines.
In conclusion, the Labour Party has decided to keep a “Hall of Shame” list of those lawmakers who defect without relinquishing their mandate. The names of defectors such as Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East), Bassey Akiba, Tochukwu Okere, Donatus Mathew, Iyawe Esosa, and Daulyop Fom will be prominently featured in the register.
The LP urged Nigerians to be cautious of politicians who lack a clear democratic vision, calling for a rejection of such opportunistic behavior in future elections.
