The leadership of the Labour Party(LP) has indicated that it has since taken legal action to compel the National Assembly leadership to declare the seats of the defected Labour Party lawmakers vacant.
The suit also is seeking the return of all salaries, emoluments, or privileges received from the date of defection.
These were contained in a Statement issued by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the party is dismayed at the betrayal of the people of Jos South/Jos East by Mr. Akangbe Illiya, a man whom the Labour Party and the people of Plateau State entrusted with their collective hopes and aspirations for a just and equitable society through legislation.
“Hon. Illiya, who has now earned a place on the Labour Party’s “Hall of Shame” register, has dishonored himself with this action.”

While acknowledging that the constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of association, the Labour Party asserts that such right is qualified when it comes to political party membership.
Explaining further, Obiora indicated that the law does not protect individuals who steal the mandate of the people and a political party, only to run into another party without first surrendering the mandate they deceitfully acquired.

This defection, like others before it, he observed is both unfortunate and condemnable.

“Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution is explicit on when a lawmaker, sponsored by a political party, can defect and what happens if they choose to jump ship.
“It is unnecessary to probe why most defectors have chosen the All Progressives Congress (APC) as their destination, or why the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, has refused to respect the provisions of the constitution by declaring their seats vacant.

However, it is the defecting politicians who should be pitied, as they have exposed themselves as unworthy of our collective trust going forward.

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has raised critical questions about Nigeria’s tax system, calling for greater accountability and a focus on citizens’ welfare.
Speaking during a public engagement, Adebayo criticized the ongoing debates on tax reforms as disconnected from the realities faced by Nigerians.
“The issue is not just about new tax bills but about accountability for the trillions already collected. Before introducing new taxes, let us ask: where is the money from petroleum, solid minerals, and other sources?” Adebayo queried.

Adebayo also expressed concern about the increasing tax burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly with value-added tax (VAT) hikes on essential goods.
“The poor are being squeezed while the political class enjoys extravagance. Raising taxes on essentials is unjust when previous revenues remain unaccounted for,” he said.

Adebayo highlighted the gap between revenue collection and public service delivery, noting that while the government collects significant sums daily, the average Nigerian continues to struggle.
“Every day, the government collects more money than some West African nations generate in a year. Yet, Nigerians remain hungry and underserved. Where is the transparency?” he asked.
He criticized the focus on intergovernmental tussles over tax revenues, describing it as irrelevant to the suffering masses.
“The debate over whether Abuja or state governments should hold more tax revenue is a fight among the elite. Nigerians care about results, better schools, healthcare, and roads not about who controls the funds,” he added.

Adebayo urged the government to revisit constitutional principles designed to guide the allocation and utilization of resources. He emphasized the need for a leadership ethos that prioritizes public welfare over personal gain.
“The Constitution provides a framework for equitable governance, but it is being ignored. Leaders must redirect funds toward improving lives, not luxuries,” he stated.
He urged citizens to demand accountability, noting that sustainable development requires ethical governance and effective resource utilization.
“Nigerians must not only ask for better policies but ensure their leaders are accountable. The focus should be on meeting citizens’ basic needs, not enriching a select few,” he concluded.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for expelling House of Representatives member Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, accusing the party of being hypocritical and dysfunctional.
Adeyanju questioned the party’s decision to expel Ugochinyere for alleged indiscipline and anti-party activities while allowing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain a member despite his controversial actions.
In a post on X, Adeyanju stated, “Ikenga Ugochinyere, the courageous one, has been expelled for anti-party by APC moles who are in charge of PDP, but Wike is still a member of the PDP. The jokes write themselves daily. The PDP is a dead party awaiting funeral rites.”
His comments reflect growing disillusionment with the PDP’s internal dynamics, as the party struggles with leadership issues and public perception. Ugochinyere’s expulsion, following a report by the party’s disciplinary committee, has sparked further criticism, with many questioning the party’s commitment to fairness and consistency in handling its members.