Babatunji Wusu –
- The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly working to recruit more lawmakers from the Senate, particularly those from the Labour Party (LP).
- Last week, Ajang Iliya, representing Jos South/Jos East in Plateau State, defected from LP to APC, increasing the number of LP defectors to six.
- Two LP senators, reportedly from the South East, are reportedly in talks with APC about joining the party.
- The Labour Party (LP) is monitoring the situation and plans to challenge defections through constitutional means.
- Despite defections, LP has stated its leadership is valid, and it is committed to protecting its elected officials’ mandates.
Amid the widespread anger and criticism following the defection of a federal lawmaker from the House of Representatives to the All Progressives Congress (APC), there are new indications that the ruling party is also targeting members of the Senate to increase its strength in the upper house. Last week, Ajang Iliya, a representative from Jos South/Jos East in Plateau State, announced his switch to the APC, making him the sixth member to leave the Labour Party (LP). Other defectors include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau).
A source within the APC national secretariat revealed to the Nigerian Tribune that two LP senators, reportedly from the South East, have engaged in talks with the APC. Their potential defection would be celebrated similarly to the reception of former senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who left the Young Peoples Party (YPP) for APC.
Currently, LP has five senators, three of whom represent the South East region, including Senators Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North). The other two LP senators are Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory) and Neda Imasuen (Edo South).
In light of these developments, the Labour Party (LP) has scheduled a meeting to discuss recent defections and any potential moves within the Senate. A lawmaker from LP confirmed that discussions will focus on the party’s internal situation and the loyalty of its members.
Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, confirmed that the party is aware of pressures being applied to its senators by other parties. However, he stressed that the LP remains united, having successfully resolved any internal divisions through legal channels. Ifoh reaffirmed the party’s commitment to challenging the defections in court, stating that those who leave the party should forfeit their mandates and return any illegally obtained benefits.
Despite these challenges, the LP leadership remains confident that most of its lawmakers will remain loyal, especially as the party has overcome earlier internal issues. The Labour Party’s position is clear: it will enforce the constitutional requirements regarding defections, ensuring that any member who changes party allegiance faces legal consequences.
