The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it made provisions to purchase houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.

In a joint statement, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, on Tuesday, said there was no such provision in the budget and urged the public to examine the appropriation law themselves.

“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 statement said.

The lawmakers noted that the Assembly’s activities and constitutional responsibilities are confined to Lagos State, arguing that the claim lacked logic.

“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 said.

According to the statement, the 2026 budget is already publicly available, allowing residents and other Nigerians to review its contents. The lawmakers said the allegation was part of a broader attempt to mislead the public ahead of elections.

“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,” they said.

They further clarified that the Assembly’s capital expenditure for 2026 accounts for less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital expenditure, adding that the legislature often does not exhaust its approved allocation.

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

Ogundipe and Olumoh said the Assembly remained aligned with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, stressing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public welfare. They also challenged those making the claim to substantiate it.

“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,” they said.
The Assembly urged Lagos residents to disregard the report and rely on official and credible sources for information on government activities.