The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the recent defection of some of its lawmakers in the National Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as disgraceful and a betrayal of trust.
During Thursday’s plenary, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read the defection letters of six lawmakers: Tochukwu Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency, Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaura Federal Constituency, Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo), Daulyop Fom (Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Plateau), and Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East Senatorial District).
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, Obiora Ifo, the National Publicity Secretary of the Julius Abure-led Labour Party, expressed discontent over the lawmakers’ actions, criticizing their lack of ideological commitment and disregard for the sacrifices made by Nigerians to elect them.
Betrayal of Trust and Democratic Principles
The LP argued that the lawmakers’ defection is “irrational, untenable, and inconsistent with the norms of democracy.” Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, the party emphasized that lawmakers cannot defect without valid justification, such as a division within their party or a merger with another.
The statement read:
“These defections are not only disgraceful but an affront to democracy. Nigerians made immense sacrifices during the 2023 elections to bring about a change, only for these individuals to betray the trust placed in them. Their actions are a disservice to the people who voted for them under the Labour Party platform.”
The party noted its historic achievements during the 2023 elections, which included securing one governorship seat, eight Senate seats, 35 House of Representatives seats, and numerous state assembly positions. These victories, the LP claimed, were made possible by the dedication of ordinary Nigerians who resonated with the party’s ideology of inclusivity and grassroots empowerment.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
The Labour Party announced it would take decisive actions against the defectors. Its legal team has been instructed to begin proceedings to reclaim the mandates of these lawmakers, while also urging the Speaker of the House to declare their seats vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Additionally, the party revealed plans to create a “Hall of Shame” for lawmakers and elected officials who defect without relinquishing the mandates obtained through the party.
“The Hall of Shame will prominently feature the names of these defectors, reminding Nigerians of their lack of democratic ethos and ideological commitment. It is imperative to isolate such political opportunists from the democratic process,” the statement added.
Reflection on Individual Defectors
The LP accused the defectors of prioritizing personal gain over public service. For instance, it highlighted the case of Donatus Mathew, a former motorcycle (Okada) rider, who won his seat in Kaduna through the Labour Party’s support but justified his defection by claiming to be the only LP member in the Northwest region.
“Mathew’s actions dishonor the sacrifices of Labour Party members in Kaduna, including Victoria Chintex, our women leader, who was assassinated in 2022 while campaigning for him and other candidates,” the statement noted.
The party also criticized the defectors for failing to contribute financially or otherwise to the party’s growth since their election, describing them as “ingrates” who forgot their humble beginnings.
Call to Action
Concluding its statement, the Labour Party urged Nigerians to reject political opportunists who lack ideological convictions.
“For democracy to thrive, we must isolate these political merchants who jump from one party to another for personal gain. They represent a grave character deficit and should be snubbed and rejected in future elections,” the party declared.
Lawmakers Named in the Hall of Shame
The following lawmakers were identified for their defections:
- Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East Senatorial District)
- Tochukwu Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency, Imo)
- Donatus Mathew (Kaura Federal Constituency, Kaduna)
- Bassey Akiba (Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River)
- Iyawe Esosa (Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo)
- Daulyop Fom (Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Plateau)
The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring accountability among its members, vowing to fight for the mandates entrusted to it by the Nigerian people.
