Defection of six lawmakers jolts Lagos PDP

The defection of six members of the Lagos State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has jolted many leaders and chieftains of the party, Daily Trust can report.

The defectors are among the eight lawmakers elected on the platform of PDP in the 2015 general election.

Their defection gives the APC a comfortable majority in the Lagos Assembly with only two opposition members, a development that prompted PDP stakeholders into expressing shock and lamentation.

It would be recalled that the defected members were led by the minority leader, Hakeem Bello representing Amuwo Odofin constituency. Others were Fatai Oluwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 1); Dayo Famakinwa (Ajeromi Ifelodun 2); Mosunmola Sangodara (Surulere 2); Hakeem Shokunle (Oshodi-Isholo 1) and Jude Idimogwu (Oshodi-Isholo 2).

The PDP party leadership, it was learnt, is exasperated with the lawmakers’ defection even though it is yet to react publicly.

The anger of the party is hinged on the fact that most of the lawmakers did not consult with the party before crossing the carpet.

It was gathered that only two of the lawmakers conferred with the party’s leadership, but the leadership was astonished that six of its members cross-carpeted in one fell swoop.

A source in the party said, “We are pained and shocked to the marrow by this treachery wantonly displayed by these lawmakers. Surprisingly, they never consulted us and the excuse they gave is indeed very shallow. It shows them as nothing but opportunists.”

A party stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We heard from a good authority that the state government enticed them with N100 million each to defect but they were just too naïve. How much is N100 million?”

Spokesman of the APC in the state, Mr Joe Igbokwe, described the allegation that the lawmakers were wooed with money to defect as a lie.

He said, “A million lies that cannot stop one basic truth. And the basic truth is that PDP no longer exists in Nigeria as a political party. The party has been crushed, decimated and desecrated as a result of their greed and political irresponsibility. The lawmakers in Lagos PDP have no choice than to seek refuge and solace in APC where they will get a sense of belonging and hope.”