In a major political shake-up in Enugu State, prominent Labour Party (LP) lawmakers and stakeholders have officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing alignment with Governor Peter Mbah’s developmental agenda and a renewed commitment to grassroots governance.
The defectors include federal lawmakers Mr. Dennis Agbo of Igboeze/Udenu and Mr. Mark-Chidi Obetta of Igboeze South/Nsukka Federal Constituency, as well as Mr. Malachi-Okey Onyechi, the state legislator representing Nsukka West Constituency. Their defection on Thursday at the PDP Secretariat in Enugu follows closely on the heels of similar moves by LP stalwarts Prince Emeka Mamah and Titus Odo, and the party’s former 2023 governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, who returned to the PDP barely two weeks ago.
The latest wave of defections marks a strategic return of former PDP loyalists who initially jumped ship to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 general elections amid rising popularity of the LP in southern Nigeria. Their return, however, signals a possible waning of LP’s influence in the state and the resurgence of PDP’s dominance.
While addressing party faithful at the defection event, Onyechi described the move as a homecoming. “I am delighted to reunite with my political family. It is time to consolidate our strengths and support the laudable projects of Governor Peter Mbah, especially the N2 billion grassroots development programme across Enugu’s 260 political wards,” he said.
Obetta emphasized that his decision to rejoin the PDP was driven by evidence-based governance under the Mbah administration. “There are visible developments in transportation, healthcare, education, and hospitality. These are the kinds of results that inspire confidence,” he stated.
Dennis Agbo minced no words in declaring that the Labour Party’s relevance in Enugu politics is on a steep decline. “Following our departure, it will be extremely difficult for the Labour Party to sustain any significant structure in Enugu. The opposition is all but deflated,” Agbo asserted, praising Governor Mbah’s leadership and calling for his reelection.
Their endorsements of Mbah highlight a growing consensus within Enugu’s political elite that the PDP-led state government has set a benchmark for infrastructural growth, revenue generation, and inclusive governance.
Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, Chairman of the PDP in Enugu, welcomed the defectors with open arms, expressing optimism about the party’s future. “This is the end of the storm. The tsunami of 2023 has passed. With this reintegration, the path to 2027 is clear and smooth,” he said.
Political observers see the return of high-profile defectors as a prelude to early realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially weakening the Labour Party’s base in the region and consolidating PDP’s strategic advantage.
The Labour Party surged to prominence in 2023, riding on a wave of youth activism and the popularity of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. However, sustaining that momentum post-election has proven difficult in some states. In Enugu, where PDP has historically held sway, the LP’s internal cohesion and long-term strategic planning appear to be faltering.
Political analysts suggest that the defections may be both a reflection of Governor Mbah’s growing political capital and a broader recalibration of power in the southeast.
As the 2027 elections gradually approach, Enugu State’s political landscape is already shifting. With key Labour Party figures now back in the PDP fold, the state’s dominant party appears to be regaining its firm grip on the reins of power.