Dayo Ekong, the chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, has dismissed reports of her suspension from office, saying she remains the party chairman in the state.

The Namadi Usman’s appointed caretaker committee in Lagos some days announced the suspension of Ekong and Secretary, Sam Okpala, over allegations of gross misconduct and violation of the party’s constitution.

But speaking in a press briefing at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, Ekong described the report of her purported expulsion by a faction of the party in the state as misleading and malicious.

She said there was no court order removing her from office, stressing that a state Congress has neither been held to elect a new chairman in Lagos.

Ekong stated those behind the news of her removal are renegades of the party who were recently expelled for anti-party activities and acted in contempt of the court’s ruling.

She said her focus was preparation for the forthcoming council election in Lagos and to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to her statement, “We categorically state that the article is riddled with deliberate falsehoods and orchestrated misrepresentation aimed at misleading the public and destabilising the Lagos State chapter of our great party.

“As the only legally recognised and duly affirmed Lagos State Chairman of the Labour Party, I, Pastor (Dr) Mrs. Adédayo Ekong, wish to make the following clarifications that the so-called “suspensions” announced by a group of unauthorised individuals have no legal or constitutional bearing within the Labour Party.

“The group, led by one Rotimi Odunaike, remains an illegitimate faction, currently in contempt of court, and has repeatedly acted outside the provisions of the party’s constitution. Their pronouncements carry no weight and are not recognised by the national leadership of the party under Julius Abure.

“The individuals parading themselves as Labour Party officials in Lagos State are expelled or suspended members who have continued to engage in anti-party activities themselves. Their attempt to issue suspensions is not only ironic but null and void. The public should be aware that this is a desperate and well-funded attempt to create confusion and undermine the progress Labour Party has made in Lagos State.

“Our administration in Lagos State has always followed due process in party affairs. Disciplinary actions, when necessary, are done in accordance with the party’s constitution and with the consent of the National Working Committee (NWC) – not through media propaganda or clandestine meetings.

“We call on our teeming members, supporters, and the public to disregard any press release or publication not emanating from the official channels of the Lagos State Labour Party leadership. The Labour Party in Lagos, under my leadership, remains committed to the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, discipline, and service to the people.”

“TO Those impersonating Labour Party officials and causing mischief in the media, your actions constitute criminal impersonation and contempt. We will not hesitate to take all necessary legal steps to protect the integrity of the Labour Party and its leadership in Lagos.” (BusinessDay)