six members of the Labour Party (LP) in the State House of Assembly have officially announced their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The announcement was made on Thursday in Enugu during the plenary session at the Assembly Legislative Complex. The Speaker, Chief Uche Ugwu, read out a letter detailing the defection on behalf of the lawmakers.
The defectors include Ejike Eze representing Igbo-Eze North 1 constituency, Johnson Ugwu from Enugu North, Princess Ugwu representing Enugu South Rural, Pius Ezeugwu from Nsukka West, Amuka Williams representing Igbo-Etiti East, and Osita Eze from Oji River constituency.
In their letter, the defectors cited the existence of irreconcilable divisions and an ongoing crisis within the Labour Party at both national and state levels as reasons for their decision. They lamented the party’s descent into perpetual discord, with various factions engaged in legal battles, which they believe undermines its ability to effectively represent the interests of the people.
Once regarded as a beacon of hope for progressive ideas, the Labour Party has, according to the defectors, become synonymous with internal strife, thereby diminishing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate.
Expressing optimism about their move, the defectors stated that they believe joining the PDP will provide them with a platform to serve their constituents more effectively and committedly.