Six members of the Labour Party (LP) in the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their defection, announced by the speaker, Chief Uche Ugwu, during plenary, was a result of irreconcilable divisions and ongoing crises within the Labour Party at both national and state levels.

The defectors, including the Majority Leader, Mr Johnson Ani (Enugu North); the Chief Whip, Mr Ejike Eze, (Igbo-Eze North 1); and the Deputy Chief Whip, Ms Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural), cited internal squabbles and legal battles within the Labour Party, hindering its ability to serve the people effectively. They expressed optimism that joining the PDP would provide them with a platform to serve their constituents more committedly.

According to the defectors, as stated in a letter read by the speaker: “Regrettably, the party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.”

“The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas, have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.”

The defectors expressed their optimism, stating: “We believe that the Peoples Democratic Party will give us the platform to serve our people committedly.”

In his remark, Speaker Ugwu welcomed the defectors into the PDP fold, assuring them of inclusion in legislative activities. With this defection, the PDP now holds the majority in the House, with 17 members, while the LP is reduced to only six.

In another development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disowned the Labour Party’s National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra, on Wednesday. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that INEC did not monitor the convention and declined to provide further details on why it wasn’t monitored.

Speaking on the change in venue, the LP National Legal Adviser, Mr Kehinde Edun, told newsmen: “No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia again. In fact, Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose. Benin was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi.”