The Lagos State House of Assembly has refuted claims that 27 lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning to defect to the opposition Labour Party (LP).

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, dismissed the rumors, stating that they are false and should be ignored. He reassured the public that no member of the Assembly is considering leaving the APC.

According to the Assembly, the lawmakers remain committed to their party and its leadership. They believe the rumors are being spread by those trying to create division and tension within the House and among Lagos residents.

The speculation about defections comes amid a political crisis in the state legislature. The Assembly has been facing leadership challenges following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Mojisola Meranda as his replacement.

Earlier in the week, security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) were reportedly deployed to the Assembly complex. Their presence allegedly prevented Speaker Meranda from accessing the chamber for several hours.

When Meranda finally took charge, she was emotional as lawmakers loyal to her expressed their support by passing a vote of confidence in her leadership.

Meanwhile, Obasa has challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed. Despite these developments, the Assembly insists that there is no external influence in the leadership crisis.

The situation in the Lagos State House of Assembly remains tense, with political observers closely monitoring how events unfold.