The Labour Party (LP) has taken decisive legal action by petitioning the court to declare the seats of its lawmakers vacant following a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move comes in response to what the party describes as a "betrayal" by its members amidst ongoing leadership crises.
The defection saga was highlighted by the recent departure of Alfred Ajang Illiya, representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, who cited internal party disputes as his reason for joining the APC.
His defection follows that of Daniel Chollom and four other LP members who have similarly switched allegiances.
Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, expressed the party's dismay, stating, "Hon. Illiya, who just engraved his name on the Labour Party ‘Hall of Shame’ Register, has brought dishonour to himself through this action."
He further emphasized that while the constitution allows freedom of association, it does not protect those who abandon their party without relinquishing their mandate.
The Labour Party has filed a lawsuit seeking to compel the National Assembly leadership to vacate the defectors' seats and recover all salaries and privileges received since their defection.
Ifoh criticized the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, for not adhering to constitutional provisions by failing to declare the seats vacant.
Comments