The Labour Party has initiated legal action against its members in the National Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress, seeking to have their seats declared vacant.

The party is also demanding the return of all salaries, allowances, and privileges received by these lawmakers since their defection.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party specifically condemned the defection of Mr. Akangbe Illiya, the representative of Jos South/Jos East. The party described his move as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by both the party and the people of Plateau State.

According to the Labour Party, Illiya’s actions violate the constitution and reflect both moral and political failure. Ifoh stressed that while the constitution guarantees freedom of association, it does not protect lawmakers from accountability for defection.

The party labeled such defections as deceitful, undermining the democratic mandate given by voters on the party’s platform. As a result, the Labour Party is committed to challenging these defections in court and enforcing accountability.

The party also criticized the increasing trend of lawmakers switching parties after securing their positions, calling it dishonourable and detrimental to the nation’s democratic values. It reiterated its resolve to combat such actions in court to safeguard the integrity of its mandate.