The Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that it is already initiating the process of declaring vacant the seats of six of its members who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The PDP state assembly lawmakers defected on February 16, after the house plenary session.

Those who defected include the Minority Leader, Akeem Bello from Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2, the Minority Whip, Mosunmola Sangodara from Surulere Constituency 2, Akeem Shokunle from Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1, Jude Idimogu from Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1, Dayo Famakinwa, Ajeromi Ifelodun 2 and Oluwa Fatai from Ajeromi/Ifelodun 1.

Members who did not jump ship are Dipo Olorunrinu from Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 and Victor Akande from Ojo Constituency 1.

The defected PDP members hinged their defection on the crisis in the party at the state and federal levels.

Speaking with our correspondent on the development, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, revealed that the party was already initiating the process of declaring vacant the seats of six decampees.

Gani said any time from now, the party would make formal application to the necessary authorities for their seats to be declared vacant.

He said further that the PDP wanted the defected lawmakers to come and test their popularity in their various constituencies.

According to him,“We are doing our homework and we are going to make our formal application to the necessary authorities for their seats to be declared vacant. We want them to come and test their popularity in their various constituencies.

“If truly they are popular, they should vacate their seats and not even contest their seats that will be declared vacant in court, but come out to come and test their popularity in an election.”