The Labour Party has initiated legal proceedings to compel the leadership of the National Assembly to declare vacant the seats of lawmakers who defected from the party.
Additionally, the party is demanding the return of all salaries, allowances, and privileges received by these lawmakers from the date of their defection.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party specifically condemned the actions of Mr. Akangbe Illiya, a representative of Jos South/Jos East.
The party described his defection as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the party and the people of Plateau State.
According to the party, Illiya’s actions amount to a violation of the constitution and represent a moral and political failure.
Ifoh emphasized that while the constitution guarantees freedom of association, it does not shield lawmakers who defect from accountability.
Ifoh said the Labour Party views such defections as deceitful acts that undermine the democratic mandate given by voters under the party’s platform.
Consequently, the party resolved to challenge these defections and enforce accountability.
The party also criticized the growing trend of lawmakers defecting to other parties after securing their positions, describing it as dishonourable and harmful to the nation’s democratic values.
It reaffirmed its commitment to fighting such acts in court to protect the integrity of its mandate.