The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu East Local Government Area has suffered a major setback as its chairman, Afam Joseph Ogbene, stepped down from his position and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with the entire ward executive.
Ogbene’s defection came just two days after the mass movement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Enugu to the APC, in what has been described as a sweeping political realignment in the state.
Speaking at a reception organised in his honour at the Umuchigbo Iji-Nike Civic Centre, Ogbene said his decision was influenced by the leadership style and vision of Governor Peter Mbah, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC.
“Today, I address you, the good people of Enugu East Local Government Area, out of the fullness of my heart.
“It is with hope, expectations, and excitement that I announce my decision to resign my position as Chairman of the Labour Party in Enugu East and to also withdraw my membership of the party,” Ogbene said.
He explained that the decision was not made hastily, noting that internal crises within the Labour Party had frustrated the efforts of many loyal members.
“This decision was not made lightly, considering the hard work and sacrifices we invested in building the party of our dreams. Unfortunately, those efforts were rendered futile by internal crises orchestrated by enemies within,” he stated.
According to Ogbene, consultations with his associates and supporters convinced him to align with Governor Mbah’s vision for a more developed Enugu State.
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“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and supporters, I decided to formally resign and join the APC.
“When I heard of the imminent defection of our amiable and hardworking Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, from the PDP to the APC, I became convinced that this was the right time to align with him in his mission to rebuild and transform Enugu State,” he said.
He added that his team had decided to move collectively to the APC, describing their decision as a gesture of solidarity with the governor’s developmental strides.
“We are committed to supporting His Excellency, Dr. Mbah, out of our own free will. We recognise his performance since assuming office and believe in his capacity to deliver even more. Hence, we are not considering any alternative in 2027,” Ogbene declared.
Welcoming the defectors, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who represented the governor, praised their courage, describing the event as “a total collapse of the Labour Party in Enugu East.”
“You are a leader per excellence,” Ogbodo said. “What is happening here today is historic — the first total collapse of the Labour Party in any local government area of the state. The mammoth crowd here today shows your influence and credibility.
“It is time for Ndigbo to join the mainstream of national politics where power and opportunities are shared. We can no longer afford to play fragmented politics. Power in Nigeria is shared at the centre, and we must be where it is shared.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, commended Ogbene’s defection, saying the Labour Party’s collapse in the area marked a turning point in the state’s political landscape.