Six representatives from the Labour Party’s platform in the Enugu State House of Assembly have joined the Peoples Democratic Party’s state branch.
Amuka Williams (Igbo-Etiti East), Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural), Pius Ezeugwu (Nsukka West), Ejike Eze (Igbo-Eze North 1), Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North), and Osita Eze (Oji River) are among the lawmakers that have deserted.
The Speaker of the House, Uche Ugwu, read a letter revealing their defections during Thursday’s session in Enugu at the Assembly Legislative Complex.
The representatives cited “irreconcilable division, an ongoing crisis within the Labour Party at the national level, and across all the state chapters” as the reason for their defections.
“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.”
It has “regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates,” they said, referring to the LP as “once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas.”
The defectors expressed hope that the PDP, their new party, would provide them with a platform from which to actively serve their people.
Following an apparent takeover of the party’s leadership by its Board of Trustees, the LP assumed a new dimension.
This action was taken just hours after the party’s national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday resulted in Julius Abure’s reelection as national chairman.
The National Working Committee saw the return of all of its members at the convention as well.