Labour Party lawmaker defects to PDP in Enugu, cites leadership crisis

Eze Gabriel, a member of the Enugu house assembly, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Uche Ugwu, speaker of the assembly, announced Gabriel’s defection in a letter read on the floor of the house on Tuesday.

The lawmaker represents Isi-Uzo constituency of Enugu state.

In his resignation letter, Eze expressed sadness over his decision, which was based on “deep divisions, ongoing crises, and persistent factions” within the LP at the national and state level.

He said that LP, which was once a “beacon of hope for progressive ideals had become synonymous with internal strife, thereby diminishing its capacity to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate”.

The lawmaker described the recent conflict between Julius Abure, factional chairman of the LP, and Nenadi Usman, chair of the caretaker committee, as “stark reminders of the disunity within the party”.

Eze voiced assurance that the PDP would offer a solid base to keep aiding the state’s progress, while appreciating his followers for their patience and support.

On April 2, Chijioke Edeoga, the candidate of the LP in the 2023 governorship election in Enugu, returned to the PDP.

In 2022, Edeoga vied for the PDP governorship ticket, but lost to Peter Mbah, the incumbent governor of Enugu.

The governor, on his part, said Edeoga’s return reflects the party’s reconciliation principle and people-centred focus, urging him and his supporters to feel at home.

The LP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that has polarised the party into factions.

Last week, the supreme court nullified an appeal court verdict that recognised Abure as the LP national chairman.

Subsequently, Usman, chairman of the LP caretaker committee, backed by Peter Obi and Alex Otti, governor of Abia, commended the judgement.

The LP house of representatives caucus also hailed the judgement, describing it as a “tonic and elixir” for the party’s “stability and reinvention”.

On Monday, Abure and Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, called for separate national executive committee (NEC) meetings.

Both factions of the party have claimed victory since the apex court’s ruling.