Lagos Assembly debunks Abuja house claim

Lagos State House of Assembly has described the rumour making rounds that it budgeted for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law as misleading and mischievous.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, and The Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumo stated this in a rebuttal jointly signed and issued to the Media.

They explained that the House does not operate in Abuja, describing the suggestion as illogical, irrational and irresponsible.

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“There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“The report is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief intended to misinform the public.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is, therefore, illogical, irrational, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction,” they stated.

The statement emphasized that the budget is already in the public domain and accessible for scrutiny by discerning Lagosians and Nigerians alike.

It reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates a transparent budget that speaks to the needs of the people and the demands of a megalopolis.

“We view this rumour as part of a wider attempt at election-season propaganda, designed to erode public trust, sow discord, and malign democratic institutions.” It reads.

The chairmen further clarified that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly is less than 0.04% of the total CAPEX of the state, which clearly demonstrates the culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that guides the legislature. However, they noted,

“Historically, the House does not even access up to its approved budget in many fiscal years.”

They stressed that the Assembly remains fully committed to excellence, transparency, good governance, and the collective welfare of the people of Lagos State, in line with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.

“We therefore challenge those behind this harebrained allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements forthwith. Failure to do so may attract appropriate legal actions.

“We urge Lagosians and the general public to disregard this baseless rumour and always verify information from official and credible sources.”