SIX LAWMAKERS SWITCH FROM LABOUR PARTY TO PDP, EXPLAINING

Babatunji Wusu –

Six delegates chosen on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) to serve in the Enugu State House of Assembly have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During Thursday’s plenary session of the Assembly, the lawmakers announced their defection. Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu moved and Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh seconded the resolution to accept their defection.

Among the defectors were Hon. Johnson Ugwu, the leader of the House and representative of Enugu North; Hon. Princess Ugwu, the member representing Enugu South Rural; and Hon. Ejike Eze, the Chief Whip of the House and representative of Igboeze North I.

Other members are Hon. Pius Ezeugwu, who represents Nsukka East; Hon. Amuka Williams, who represents Igbo-Etiti West; and Hon. Osita Eze, who represents Oji River.

The parliamentarians gave as their excuse for defecting the Labour Party irreconcilable divide and ongoing crises between the national and state chapters.

As examples of the divides inside the party, they also cited the incidents of Julius Abure, the National Chairman, the Apapa factions, the national treasurer allegation, and their parent organization, the NLC.

They thanked the leadership of the Labour Party for their support and expressed optimism that the PDP would provide them with a platform to go on serving the interests of their people.

The lawmakers said, “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.”