Labour Party Leadership Responds to Defections Amidst Political Tensions

George Ibezimako Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has voiced concerns over recent defections from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During Thursday’s plenary, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read letters from four lawmakers—Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Mathew Donatus (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Chinedu Okere (Imo)—announcing their departure from the LP. The defectors cited internal challenges within the party as their primary reason for leaving.

Reacting to the defections, Ozodinobi urged his colleagues to reconsider their decision, referencing a biblical passage to emphasize his stance:
“Those who have defected may find themselves without a future where they have crossed over to,” he remarked during the session.

The Labour Party, through its spokesperson Obiora Ifoh, described the defections as regrettable but affirmed its commitment to addressing the matter.
“While the Labour Party is undeterred, it has instructed its legal team to begin the process of reclaiming mandates in line with constitutional and electoral provisions,” Ifoh said in a statement.

This development highlights the ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties navigate internal dynamics and broader democratic processes.