Reports from Enugu state indicate that six Labour Party (LP) Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have cross-carpeted to the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Their decision to ditch the rank of Labour Party was made known on Thursday in a letter read by the Speaker, Chief Uche Ugwu, during plenary.
The six defectors include the Majority Leader, Mr Johnson Ani (Enugu North); the Chief Whip, Mr Ejike Eze, (Igbo-Eze North 1); and the Deputy Chief Whip, Ms Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural).
Others are Mr Pius Ezugwu (Nsukka East); Mr Williams Amuka (Igbo-Etiti West); and Mr Osita Eze (Oji River).
The grouse of the defected six, according to their letters, was not unconnected with the irreconcilable differences and incessant crisis within the labour party at states and national levels, adding that the party had evolved into perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles, which undermined its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.
According to them, the Labour Party, once considered a beacon of hope for progressive ideas, have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.
They cited the cases of Mr Julius Abure and Mr Lamidi Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer as some of the divisions within the party.
They expressed the hope that the PDP would give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people and thanked the leadership of the Labour Party for their support.
The defectors also acknowledge that the letters were sent to the office of the Speaker by themselves, adding that they would work wholeheartedly for the progress of their new party in Enugu State.
In his remark, the Speaker welcomed the defectors into the PDP and promised that they would be carried along in the legislative activities of the House.
With the defection, the PDP now has the majority in the House with 17 members while Labour Party has only six members.
