Barely 48 hours after the political wave that saw the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Enugu collapse into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu East Local Government Area, Afam Joseph Ogbene, has resigned from the party along with the entire ward executive and joined the APC.
Addressing APC leaders and a mammoth crowd of supporters at Umuchigbo Iji-Nike Civic Centre, Ogbene said his decision was inspired by the foresight and purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, who officially moved from the PDP to the APC on Tuesday.
He described the move as difficult but necessary, explaining that it aligned with his desire to support the governor’s developmental vision for Enugu State.
“Today, I address you, the good people of Enugu East, with hope and excitement as I announce my resignation as Chairman of the Labour Party and my withdrawal from the party,” Ogbene said.
“This decision was not made lightly, considering the sacrifices we made to build the party of our dreams. Sadly, those efforts were rendered futile by internal crises orchestrated by enemies within.
“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and supporters, I decided to join the APC and align with Governor Mbah’s mission to rebuild and transform Enugu State.”
Ogbene added that his supporters and ward executives had also resolved to join the APC in solidarity with the governor’s “unprecedented 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,” he declared.
Receiving Ogbene and his team on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, described the defection as “the 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 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.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, welcomed Ogbene and his team into the APC, describing the collapse of the Labour Party in the area as a major milestone for the ruling party in the state.
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