By Eve Omayrs
Amid swirling rumors of a mass defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly denied any such plans, reaffirming their commitment to the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, described the reports as false and misleading. He emphasized that no lawmaker is considering leaving the APC, adding that any internal party issues are being resolved through democratic channels.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains united under the leadership of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. These rumors are baseless and politically motivated. We are not defecting,” Ogundipe stated.
The allegations of defection had first emerged in mid-February, sparking speculations about potential cracks within the APC-led government in Lagos. However, lawmakers had earlier dismissed those claims, and this latest denial further reinforces their stance.
Political analysts suggest that the false reports may be the handiwork of opposition forces seeking to destabilize the party ahead of future elections. Lagos remains a stronghold of the APC, and any internal crisis within the ruling party would be seen as an opportunity by rivals looking to make political gains.
Meanwhile, party loyalists and stakeholders have urged APC members to remain steadfast, cautioning against external attempts to create division. The lawmakers assured Lagosians that their primary focus remains delivering good governance and supporting the policies of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the continued progress of the state.
With the Lagos Assembly's strong stance against defection, it is clear that the APC remains firmly in control of the political landscape in Nigeria’s economic capital.