Lagos Assembly dismisses mass defection rumors amid leadership crisis

The Lagos State House of Assembly has categorically denied reports that 27 lawmakers are planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP) amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the state legislature.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, described the reports as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”

“These rumors are designed to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State,” Olukayode stated.

The denial comes at a time of heightened political tension in the Lagos Assembly, which has been engulfed in a leadership crisis following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Mojisola Meranda, who made history as the first female Speaker of the House.

The leadership crisis escalated on Monday when heavily armed operatives from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to the Lagos Assembly complex.

In a move that fueled speculation of internal turmoil, the security agents allegedly prevented Speaker Meranda from gaining access to the building, forcing her to wait outside for hours before finally being allowed in.

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During the House plenary session, an emotional Meranda fought back tears as lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, highlighting the deep divisions within the Assembly.

Despite securing the support of over 36 lawmakers in the 40-member House, Meranda’s leadership continues to face resistance from Obasa, who has rejected his removal as illegal and has since taken legal action to challenge the legitimacy of the leadership change.

Amid the internal strife, the Lagos Assembly has firmly dismissed any speculation that its members are considering switching political allegiance.

“We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection,” the official statement read. “The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State.”

The Assembly leadership further alleged that the rumors were being orchestrated by “agents of destabilization” intent on exploiting the leadership crisis to create unnecessary panic and division within the ruling APC.

With the House deeply divided, political analysts warn that the unfolding power struggle could have far-reaching implications for governance in Lagos State. While Speaker Meranda enjoys significant backing, Obasa’s legal battle threatens to further deepen the crisis.

As the leadership dispute continues to play out, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Assembly can resolve its differences internally or if external intervention will be required to restore stability.