TheCable

Members of the house of representatives in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the defection of some of their colleagues to other parties.

The caucus has also hinted at taking “necessary steps” over the move which they described as illegal.

Thirty-seven members of the caucus dumped the party during plenary on Tuesday — 32 to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), four to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and one still undecided.

The APC reps said the move is “very unfortunate” as it was out of personal gains.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Femi Gbajabiamila, majority leader of the house, said: “Considering the legality of the cross-over, I think section 68 has addressed this issue. Members of both sides of the aile interprete the section the way it suits them.

“The standing order of the house still stands regarding this case. The meaning of division has been clearly stated by the supreme court in the case of PDP verses Adegunle who was a member of the house of representatives. The so called R-APC we keep hearing them chant the name does not fall within the interpretation of the supreme court.

“Therefore, we will be encouraging the party to take the necessary steps, not because we are against our members but for us to continue to entrench democracy.

“People elected you on a particular platform to represent them. That seat does not belong to you, it belongs to the political party.”

He said the party remains the majority in the lower legislative chamber despite the defection.

“Not only does APC remain the majority in the house it is still a clear majority,” he said. “This leaves APC over and beyond what is required for majority.”

He added: “We will continue to do the bidding of this country, in spite of all the shenanigans going on in the country. Every four years people are in search of a ticket. That is very unfortunate.”