Enugu senator defects from Labour Party to APC, cites internal crisis

Kelvin Chukwu, senator representing Enugu east, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crisis within his former party.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Chukwu’s defection during Wednesday’s plenary after reading a letter the senator addressed to the upper legislative chamber.

In the letter, Chukwu said recent developments within the Labour Party at both state and national levels had made it difficult for him to continue representing his constituents under its platform.

“I write to formally, effective immediately, resign from the Labour Party,” the senator said.

“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.

“After careful reflections, I am convinced that the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu provides a more inclusive platform for the nation. I remain committed to serving the people of Enugu East. Accordingly, I hereby join the Progressives family in the 10th Senate.”

Chukwu said the decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across various levels in Enugu state.

He added that his defection was driven by a desire to better serve his people and contribute more effectively to national development.

“This decision was reached after extensive consultations with my constituents in my senatorial district, my political associates, and stakeholders across various levels in Enugu State,” he said.

“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.”

The lawmaker said his move to the APC would enable him to deliver greater dividends of democracy to his district and the wider Nigerian populace.

“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,” Chukwu said.

Chukwu, who replaced his late brother Oyibo Chukwu as the LP candidate before the 2023 general election, was elected to the senate after defeating Chimaroke Nnamani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

With his defection, the APC has further strengthened its presence in the upper chamber, where it already holds a majority.