Senator Kelvin Chukwu, who represents Enugu East in the National Assembly, has left the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress, blaming his decision on what he described as deepening internal wrangling within his former party.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the defection during plenary on Wednesday, October 8, after reading a letter Chukwu addressed to the upper chamber.
In the letter, the senator wrote, “I write to formally, effective immediately, resign from the Labour Party.
“Recent developments in the Labour Party at both the state and national levels have made it difficult for me to represent my constituents under its banner.”
Chukwu explained that after “careful reflections” and wide consultations with his constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders across Enugu State, he was convinced that the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, offered a more inclusive and effective platform.
“After careful reflections, I am convinced that the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu provides a more inclusive platform for the nation.
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“I remain committed to serving the people of Enugu East. Accordingly, I hereby join the Progressives family in the 10th Senate,” the letter read.
He described his decision as a step towards aligning with a party that “works,” adding that it would allow him to deliver better results to his people.
“It is a reflection of my commitment to aligning with a platform that works. And I believe that I will do better and represent the collective interest of my people better,” he said.
The senator, who replaced his late brother Oyibo Chukwu as the Labour Party’s candidate before the 2023 general elections, pledged to use his new political base to attract more development to his district.
“I will bring more dividends of democracy. I will meet the aspirations of the good people of Enugu East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large,” he said.
Chukwu’s defection gives the ruling APC an even stronger majority in the Senate, further consolidating its influence within the 10th National Assembly.