Enugu Labour Party Rep, Over 1,000 Others Defect to APC

The political landscape in Enugu State shifted dramatically over the weekend as Hon. Sunday Umeha, member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umeha, who was elected under the LP platform, announced his defection during a mini-rally held at Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South Local Government Area.

The event also witnessed a mass defection of over 1,000 LP members led by prominent businessman and LP financier in the area, Chief Joshua Ogbonna, popularly known as “Father Father.” The defectors included the entire local government structure of the Labour Party in Igboeze South.

Umeha clarified that his appearance at the rally, which took place outside his constituency, was in solidarity with Chief Ogbonna. He revealed that a formal rally to mark his defection would be held soon in Ezeagu, his local government area. According to him, internal divisions within the LP at both state and national levels contributed to his decision to leave the party. He has since resigned from the LP and completed his registration with the APC at his ward.

Highlighting the benefits of aligning with the ruling party, Umeha emphasized the importance of connecting his constituency to the national centre of power. He praised the APC’s performance in the Southeast, citing infrastructure projects such as the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the Second Niger Bridge.

Representing the APC leader in Enugu State and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, was Barr George Ogara, the party’s 2023 governorship running mate. He commended the influx of grassroots politicians into the APC and urged party members to remain united in their mission to take over power in 2027.

Enugu APC Chairman, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah, described the defection as unprecedented, asserting that the party is poised to end the PDP’s 26-year rule in the state. He criticized the PDP’s governance, accusing it of over-taxation, land grabbing, and destroying livelihoods under the guise of development. Agballah also lauded Barr Peter Okonkwo of Nsukka LGA for his support, including the donation of a zonal campaign office and his role in facilitating the collapse of the LP structure in Igboeze South.

Handing over the APC flag and broom to the new members, Agballah declared that the party is ready to usher in a new era of governance in Enugu State. He vowed that APC would sweep away “reactionary forces” and restore democracy.

In his remarks, Chief Joshua Ogbonna said efforts were made to stop the defection, including seizing buses meant to convey supporters to the rally. Despite the obstacles, he said the resolve of the people remained firm, and pledged to lead a ward-to-ward campaign to strengthen APC’s foothold in Igboeze South.