The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu East Local Government Area has crumbled as its chairman, Afam Joseph Ogbene, alongside all ward executives and supporters, dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection, which took place at Umuchigbo Iji-Nike Civic Centre, marks another major political shake-up following Governor Peter Mbah’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Addressing a jubilant crowd, Ogbene said his decision was inspired by Mbah’s visionary leadership and developmental agenda for Enugu State.
“Today, I address you, the good people of Enugu East Local Government Area, out of the fullness of my heart. It is with hope, expectations, and excitement that I announce my decision to resign my position as Chairman of the Labour Party in Enugu East and to also withdraw my membership of the party,” he declared.
He explained that the decision was not taken lightly, citing internal crises that crippled the Labour Party and made his continued stay untenable.
“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and supporters, I decided to formally resign and join the APC. When I heard of the imminent defection of our amiable and hardworking Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, from the PDP to the APC, I became convinced that this was the right time to align with him in his mission to rebuild and transform Enugu State,” Ogbene stated.
He added that his entire political structure was moving to the APC in solidarity with the governor’s “uncommon and unprecedented developmental strides.”
“We are committed to supporting His Excellency, Dr. Mbah, out of our own free will. We recognise his performance since assuming office and believe in his capacity to deliver even more. Hence, we are not considering any alternative in 2027,” he said.
Receiving the defectors, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, described the defection as “the total collapse of the Labour Party in Enugu East.”
“You are a leader per excellence,” Ogbodo remarked. “What is happening here today is historic — the first total collapse of the Labour Party in any local government area of the state. The mammoth crowd here today shows your influence and credibility.
“It is time for Ndigbo to join the mainstream of national politics where power and opportunities are shared. We can no longer afford to play fragmented politics. Power in Nigeria is shared at the centre, and we must be where it is shared.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, applauded Ogbene’s move, describing it as a “significant political breakthrough” and “a clear signal that the Labour Party has lost its grip on Enugu East.”
