The Labour Party (LP) has lost no fewer than 21 lawmakers across the country in the past one year, as internal crisis and leadership tussles continue to weaken the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, which gained significant momentum during the 2023 elections through the popularity of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is now grappling with mass defections and internal disunity.
The wave of defections started in July 2024 when Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East) joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering similar exits from five members of the House of Representatives — Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Bassey Akiba, Esosa Iyawe, and Alfred Iliya Ajang.
In the following months, more lawmakers, especially from Enugu and Plateau states, dumped the party for either the APC or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing lack of internal democracy, weak leadership, and poor party structure.
Among those who left are Rep. Dalyop Chollom, six lawmakers from the Enugu State House of Assembly, and three Reps from Enugu — Dennis Agbo, Chidi Obetta, and Sunday Umeha. Notably, LP’s only senator from the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, and Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), also resigned from the party.
Reacting to the trend, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, said LP would pursue legal action against defectors, relying on Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution to reclaim seats of elected members who left without any division in the party.
He also said the party would open a “Hall of Shame” for lawmakers who defected without relinquishing their mandate.
“These defections are more about personal political survival than the failure of the party,” Ifoh said in an interview, blaming Nigeria’s weak political ideology and judicial delays for the party’s inability to stop the movement.
Political analysts, however, believe the Labour Party’s reliance on Peter Obi’s personality in 2023, without building solid internal structures, has contributed to its current woes.
Professor Kamilu Sani Fage warned that unless the party institutionalises its gains, it risks further decline, especially if Obi or Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, decides to leave before 2027.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the effect of mass defections across parties, especially to the ruling APC. Analysts fear the trend could weaken opposition politics and reduce electoral competition in the country.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Labour Party faces a major test of survival and relevance in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
