The Labour Party has suffered a significant setback as five of its members in the House of Representatives officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday.
The defections were confirmed when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read their letters on the floor of the Green Chamber. The lawmakers who have switched allegiance are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau).
Reasons for Defection
One of the defectors, speaking on the decision, stated that the move was driven by the diverse interests and convictions of constituents.
“You cannot just work on the decision of the people at the constituency level because you are dealing with individuals with different levels of understanding,” the lawmaker said.
He further explained:
“I am taking this decision based on conviction. That is why whether you like it or not, there are people within the constituency who are convinced that it (defection) is the right decision for them. There are those who are skeptical, waiting for the outcome.”
The defections come amid internal crises within the Labour Party, which have raised questions about its stability. The party made headlines in the 2023 general elections by securing several key positions nationwide, but recent events suggest mounting challenges in maintaining unity.
While it remains unclear if these defections are linked to the ongoing turmoil within the Labour Party, political analysts view the move as a strategic alignment with the ruling APC to secure stronger political relevance.
Labour Party’s Dwindling Influence?
The Labour Party’s surprise performance in the 2023 elections disrupted Nigeria’s political landscape. However, these defections may signal growing dissatisfaction among its members and the electorate.
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