By Milcah Tanimu
Six lawmakers from the Labour Party in the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially switched allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Initially planning to defect during a public event at the Okpara Square last Sunday, the proceedings were cut short abruptly, prompting attendees to vacate the premises.
However, during Thursday’s plenary session at the state House of Assembly complex, the lawmakers formalized their defection through a letter read by the Speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu.
The defectors are Mr. Ejike Nwa Nsukka (Igbo-Eze North 1), Mr. Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North), Ms. Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural), Mr. Pius Onyeka Ezugwu (Nsukka West), Mr. Williams T. Amuka (Igbo-Etiti East), and Mr. Osita Eze (Oji River).
The speaker explained that the decision to defect stemmed from the “unresolved divisions and continuous crises within the Labour Party at both the national and state levels.”
He lamented, “The Labour Party, once a symbol of progressive ideals, has unfortunately become synonymous with internal conflicts, hampering its ability to serve the people effectively.”
Among the issues cited were the disputes between the Abure and Apapa factions, along with challenges involving the national treasurer.