Six Enugu State House of Assembly members, who were originally elected under the Labour Party, have now switched their allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
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This significant move was publicly announced during the Assembly’s plenary session held on a Thursday, marking a major shift in political affiliations within the state.
The reason behind their defection, as stated by the group of defectors, stems from the deep-rooted issues of irreconcilable divisions and ongoing crises plaguing the Labour Party at both the national and state levels.
They highlighted the party’s inability to maintain unity and its constant internal conflicts as key factors that led to their decision to join the PDP.
The defectors expressed their disappointment in the Labour Party’s current state, emphasizing how it has deviated from its original purpose of championing progressive ideals and has instead become synonymous with internal disputes. They pointed out that these internal struggles have severely hampered the party’s effectiveness in representing the interests of the people it was meant to serve.
Specifically, the defectors mentioned the existence of factions such as the Abure and Apapa groups, as well as conflicts involving the national treasurer and the parent body, NLC, as contributing factors to their departure from the Labour Party. They believe that by aligning themselves with the PDP, they will have a better platform to continue serving the needs of their constituents effectively.
Among the notable members who defected were the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Ejike Eze; the House leader, Hon. Johnson Ugwu; and Hon. Princess Ugwu, who represents Enugu South Rural. Other members who joined the defection included Hon. Pius Ezeugwu, Hon. Amuka Williams, and Hon. Osita Eze, representing Nsukka East, Igbo-Etiti West, and Oji River respectively.
The formal acceptance of their defection was set in motion by Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh, marking a significant political realignment within the Enugu State House of Assembly.
