Lagos Assembly denies budgeting for Abuja houses, cautions against election propaganda

The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that it made provisions in the 2026 Appropriation Law for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members.

The Assembly described the allegation as mischievous and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public, stressing that no such provision exists in the 2026 budget.

This clarification was contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

According to the statement, the report is a complete fabrication being peddled by “patently ignorant” individuals with the intention of misleading the public and maligning the legislature.

“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 statement said. “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 and irresponsible to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”

The lawmakers noted that the 2026 budget is already in the public domain and available for scrutiny by Lagosians and Nigerians, adding that the state operates a transparent budgeting process focused on the needs of residents and the realities of governing a megacity.

They further described the rumour as part of a broader attempt at election-season propaganda aimed at eroding public trust, sowing discord and discrediting democratic institutions.

The statement also clarified that the House of Assembly’s 2026 capital expenditure represents less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital expenditure, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to prudence, accountability and fiscal responsibility. The chairmen added that, historically, the House often does not fully access its approved budget in many fiscal years.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, good governance and the welfare of Lagos residents, the Assembly said its activities are aligned with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.

The lawmakers challenged those behind the allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their claims, warning that failure to do so could attract legal action.

They urged Lagosians and the general public to disregard the rumour and to always verify information from official and credible sources.

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