Labour Party Logistics Head Fabian Ozoigbo Defects to APC, Cites Tinubu’s Economic Stability Efforts
Fabian Ozoigbo, a prominent figure and former Head of Logistics for the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 presidential campaign, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State.
Ozoigbo, who was a close ally of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, announced his decision during a press briefing on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
In his statement, Ozoigbo expressed a deep loss of confidence in the Labour Party, particularly criticizing its post-election conduct.
He described the party as untrustworthy and faulted its leadership for contradicting itself by rejecting the presidential election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only to later rely on those same results during the court proceedings that followed.
According to him, this inconsistency further eroded internal trust within the party and exposed its lack of strategic foresight.
“It is regrettable that there is so much distrust within the Labour Party,” Ozoigbo said. “What is even more troubling is the hypocrisy of using INEC’s results in court after publicly rejecting the same results. That inconsistency ultimately led to the party’s failure to prove its case.”
Ozoigbo also addressed his surprise at Nigeria’s economic performance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially following the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy.
As a member of the opposition, he said he had anticipated an irreversible collapse of the Nigerian economy. However, contrary to his expectations, he acknowledged the resilience of the economy under Tinubu’s leadership and noted that while hardships remain, the economy has not only stayed afloat but shows signs of gradual recovery.
“As a member of the opposition, I had expected the economy to collapse irretrievably after the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said. “But the fact that the economy is still functioning—albeit with some difficulties—is a puzzle to me. This resilience is admirable and has prompted me to draw closer to the current administration, observe its workings, and contribute positively.”
Ozoigbo emphasized that his decision to join the APC stems from a desire to be part of what he describes as an “economic miracle” spearheaded by the Tinubu administration. He stated his commitment to contributing to the realization of a “new Nigeria” through support for policies that can transform the nation’s economy and ensure inclusive growth.
“My goal is to be part of a new Nigeria that is possible through positive policies and effective governance,” he added. “Since the economy has not collapsed, and there are signs of recovery, I want to play a role in this transformative journey.”
He also highlighted the strategic importance of his defection in the context of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. He praised the APC’s decision to field Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as its candidate, describing him as a grassroots politician with a strong connection to the people and a history of philanthropic efforts that resonate with the middle class and ordinary citizens.
“APC in recent times threw up a Trojan horse in the person of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as their candidate,” Ozoigbo noted. “His emergence as a grassroots-oriented person, coupled with his philanthropic gestures over the years, has begun to attract people, especially the middle-class citizens of the state, to his quest. My people and I want to be part of it.”
He further commended the entry of both Prince Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife into the gubernatorial race, suggesting that their involvement positions the APC for a strong showing in Anambra State.
According to him, their presence in the race serves as a “clarion call” for individuals committed to equity and development, signaling that governance in Anambra should not be the exclusive preserve of the wealthy elite.
“The emergence of credible candidates like Ukachukwu and Ekwunife presents an opportunity for real change in Anambra. It is a signal that governance must serve both the rich and the poor,” he concluded.
Ozoigbo’s defection marks a significant political shift in Anambra State, signaling growing realignments ahead of the 2025 governorship election.
His endorsement of President Tinubu’s administration and his active support for the APC’s candidates may reshape political dynamics in the state, especially among disillusioned members of the opposition.