Esosa Iyawe, a member of the House of Representatives representing Oredo Federal Constituency in Edo State, has explained his decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Iyawe’s defection, along with three other Labour Party lawmakers, was announced on Thursday by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during a plenary session in the National Assembly. The other defectors include Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Federal Constituency), Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency, Kaduna), and Akiba Bassey (Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River).
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Congratulating the lawmakers, Speaker Abbas commended their decision, describing it as “the right step.”
Iyawe’s Reasons for Defection
In a statement issued after the announcement, Iyawe attributed his departure from the Labour Party to internal instability and unresolved leadership disputes within the party.
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation as a member of Labour Party (LP), effective immediately,” Iyawe stated. “This decision was reached after careful consideration of my personal convictions and the alignment of my values with the political landscape today.”
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He highlighted the persistent tussles within the Labour Party’s leadership, which he said have created uncertainty for party members and supporters alike.
“My decision to resign from LP is as a result of the party’s inability to declare who should emerge as the legitimate Caretaker Committee from the National to State levels. Moreover, due to the incessant tussle rocking the leadership of the party and the numerous perpetual court cases against the party’s leadership, my supporters and I are in a state of confusion as to the party’s stability in leadership,” he explained.
Exercise of Constitutional Rights
Iyawe noted that his defection aligns with his constitutional right to freedom of association, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He stated that he consulted with his family and supporters before making the move.
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“With regards to my right to freedom of association… I hereby wish to notify you of my defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC), whose ideas align with my political aspirations and ideology,” he said.
Commitment to Constituents
Despite the switch, Iyawe reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Oredo Federal Constituency. He emphasised that his move to the APC would enhance his capacity to deliver on his legislative duties.
“I hereby re-emphasise my resolve to continue my service and representation to my people, as this decision will certainly improve my past performance at all levels,” he declared.
Iyawe also expressed gratitude to the Labour Party for its support during his time as a member, acknowledging its contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I thank the leadership and fellow members of Labour Party (LP) for the support, collaboration, and opportunities provided to me during my membership. I leave with gratitude and respect for the party’s efforts and contributions to our democracy,” Iyawe concluded.
