Six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), have formally announced their defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Those who defected include the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Igboeze North I, Ejike Eze; leader of the House and member representing Enugu North, Johnson Ugwu; the member representing Enugu South Rural, Princess Ugwu.
Others are a member representing Nsukka West, Pius Ezeugwu; member representing Igbo-Etiti West, Amuka Williams, and member representing Oji River, Osita Eze.
The lawmakers announced their defection on the floor of the House during their plenary, yesterday.
They hinged the reasons for their defection on the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the party at the national level and across all the state chapters.”
They said: “It is regrettable that the party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with factions embroiled in legal battles, thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.
“The LP, once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas, has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate.”
They cited the cases of the Abure and Apapa factions, as well as the national treasurer and their parent body, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as some of the divisions within the party.
The defectors expressed hope that the PDP will give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people, thanking LP members for their support.
The motion for their defection was moved by Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Jane Eneh. With the development, the PDP has returned its majority status in the state Assembly.
When contacted on the development, yesterday, the state Chairman of the party, Casmir Agbo, stated that he just returned from Nnewi, where the party held its convention. He had earlier threatened the lawmakers with legal suits when rumours filtered about their defection some weeks ago.
