The Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Kelvin Chukwu, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises and lack of direction in his former party.
Chukwu, who was the only senator elected on the Labour Party platform from Enugu State, announced his defection during Wednesday’s plenary, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across all levels in the state.
According to him, recent developments within the Labour Party including leadership tussles, policy disagreements, and the absence of cohesion and focus at both state and national levels have made it difficult to effectively discharge his duties as a lawmaker.
He added that these challenges have undermined the core values and principles upon which the Labour Party was founded
Chukwu says APC under President Bola Tinubu offers a more stable, progressive, and inclusive platform to deliver economic growth, national unity, and social development.
He pledged continued commitment to serving the people of Enugu East with patriotism and dedication, expressing confidence that his new political platform would enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy and meet the aspirations of his constituents.
Reacting to the defection, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described it as a reflection of the ongoing political realignments in the country, insisting that the APC-led government is stabilising the economy and improving the nation’s fortunes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also welcomed the development, saying while he supports a vibrant opposition, many opposition parties are failing to organise themselves.
Akpabio says he wants a strong opposition, but when parties are in disarray, the right thing is to join the President to move the country forward
Akpabio says the PDP is divided, Labour Party is scattered, and ADC collapsed before it even took off.
However, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro downplayed the defection, wishing Chukwu well but questioning the extent of consultation before the decision.
Abba Moro says senator chukwu came on the back of the Obedient movement and a sympathy vote.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
