Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, has dismissed claims that 25 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress to an unnamed party.

According to Leadership, Olukayode described in a Tuesday statement that the report is “entirely false and without merit.”

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false and without merit.“

During the recent leadership dispute within the Assembly, a similar report surfaced, suggesting that twenty-seven (27) members were preparing to leave the APC for the Labour Party.

“That claim was also unequivocally refuted, with members affirming their commitment to the party and confidence in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms,” he stated.

He emphasized that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly was contemplating defection, reiterating that as progressives, any challenges faced are resolved through democratic and lawful means.

Olukayode further assured that the APC leadership is actively addressing all internal concerns and outstanding issues will be resolved amicably.

He urged those spreading the rumours to desist from misleading the public, stressing that the Lagos Assembly remains focused on its legislative duties of enacting laws and motions that drive the state’s development.

A Civil Society Organisation, Gender Mobile Initiative and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive legislative reforms.

The call was made at the Women’s Policy Action Lab as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Abuja, according to a statement by the Communication Officer, Gender Mobile Initiative, Abubakar Abdullahi.

The meeting further reinforced the need for commitment by stakeholders to advance gender equality in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth, Olamujuwonlo Alao Akala, in his remark, assured that the House would activate recommendations made at the lab for necessary legislative action.

The lab, guided by legal experts and policymakers, analyzed and proposed amendments to key policies affecting women’s rights, including the VAPP Act, National Gender Policy, Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Labour Laws.

Stakeholders also emphasized accountability, inclusivity and effective implementation of government policies as they affect women.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s judgement to the fullest. 

The governor gave the assurance during the inauguration of the New Judges Quarters built by his administration in the Old GRA, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Fubara insisted that no personal interest should override the collective good and peace of Rivers State, saying that no price would be too much company for peace.

Details later…