Six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, who were originally elected under the Labour Party, have switched their allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Their defection was announced during the Assembly’s plenary session on Thursday.
According to the defectors, their defection is a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division and an incessant crisis within the labour party at the national level and across all the state chapters.”
They claimed that, “regrettably, the party has evolved into 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.”
They cite the divisions within the party, such as the Abure and Apapa factions, the national treasurer, and their parent body, NLC, as the reason for their decision to dump the party.
Thanking the leadership of the Labour Party for their support, they expressed hope that the PDP will provide them with a platform to continue serving the interests of their people.
The defectors include the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Igboeze North I, Hon. Ejike Eze; the leader of the House and member representing Enugu North, Hon. Johnson Ugwu; and the member representing Enugu South Rural, Hon. Princess Ugwu.
Other defectors are the member representing Nsukka East, Hon. Pius Ezeugwu; the member representing Igbo-Etiti West, Hon. Amuka Williams; and the member representing Oji River, Hon. Osita Eze.
The motion for accepting their defection was made by Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and seconded by Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh.</p>
