PDP Secures Majority in Enugu State House of Assembly as Six LP Members Defect

The political landscape in Enugu State witnessed a significant shift on Thursday as six members of the Labour Party (LP) in the State House of Assembly officially defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effectively tipping the balance of power in favor of the PDP.

Following the defections, the Peoples Democratic Party now commands a majority in the Enugu State House of Assembly with 17 members, while the Labour Party is left with six members, marking a reversal of fortunes for the PDP, which was in the minority after the 2023 general elections.

The defection notice was read by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Uche Ugwu, during Thursday’s plenary, signaling the formal transition of the defectors to the PDP. Among the defectors are prominent figures within the Assembly, including the Majority Leader, Johnson Ani (Enugu North), the Chief Whip, Ejike Eze (Igbo-Eze North 1), and the Deputy Chief Whip, Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural), among others.

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In their defection letter, the lawmakers cited irreconcilable divisions and incessant crises within the Labour Party at both national and state levels as the primary reasons for their decision. They lamented the party’s internal discord, which they claimed hindered their ability to effectively serve their constituents and deliver on electoral promises.

The defections were preceded by tensions within the Labour Party, particularly surrounding the outcome of the party’s convention, which saw Mr. Julius Abure elected as national chairman. The rejection of this outcome by the Lamidi Apapa faction further exacerbated divisions within the party, creating an opportune moment for the lawmakers to defect.

While the defected lawmakers had initially planned a public defection ceremony at the Okpara Square, Enugu, they reportedly canceled the event due to a lack of substantial support from the public.

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Reacting to the defections, the state Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Casmir Agbo, expressed dismay and warned of legal repercussions, stating that the party would “use all legal means to sack the defectors because LP is not in crisis.”

With the balance of power now shifted in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party, political dynamics within the Enugu State House of Assembly are expected to undergo significant changes, potentially influencing legislative agendas and decision-making processes in the state.