The entire Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what political observers describe as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection was announced on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) during plenary.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, witnessed the event at the chamber, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.
Before the defection, the Labour Party held seven of the eight federal constituencies in Enugu State, while the PDP controlled one. With the new development, the APC now has full control of the entire Enugu caucus in the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers said they decided to dump their former parties due to unresolved internal crises threatening the stability and unity of the opposition.
Speaking to journalists after the defection, the spokesman of the group and member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, said their decision was inspired by the developmental strides of Governor Peter Mbah and the need to align with his vision.
“Just come to Enugu and see what is happening there,” Nnaji said. “The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre.”
He described the move as a bold step taken after deep reflection, aimed at repositioning Enugu State for greater participation in national development.
“For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over,” he said.
Nnaji explained that by aligning with the APC — the party leading national transformation — the lawmakers are connecting their constituencies to the heartbeat of national development, which will attract more projects, jobs, and empowerment opportunities for the people.
The defectors include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta.
The lawmakers’ decision has been widely interpreted as a political boost for the APC in the South East, especially in Enugu State, where the ruling party has struggled in recent elections.
In a related development, the member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Daniel Asama, also dumped the Labour Party for the APC, citing the need to work with a “progressive national government.”
The APC leadership has welcomed the development, describing it as a demonstration of growing confidence in the party’s leadership and its vision for national unity and development.
