In a significant political development, over 300 members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra state have left the party and joined the Labour Party (LP). Their decision stems from the desire to prevent the re-election of incumbent state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, for a second term.
The defectors, primarily comprising APGA members from Ogbaru local government area, were warmly received at the Onitsha Holiday Resort field over the weekend. Leading the welcoming committee was Chief Emeka Nwosu, the chairman of the Labour Party in Ogbaru, alongside Hon. Afam Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru federal constituency in the House of Representatives and leader of the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives. Also present were Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, the LP governorship aspirant for the upcoming 2025 Anambra state governorship election, and several other prominent LP figures in the local government.
Speaking on behalf of the APGA defectors, Hon. Ndubuisi Igwilo, a former aspirant for the Ogbaru 1 constituency of the state House of Assembly, highlighted their motivation for leaving APGA. Igwilo accused Soludo of working against Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential ambition during the 2023 general election. Furthermore, he criticized Soludo’s performance over the past two years, vowing to ensure that he does not secure a second term in office.
“I was formerly in APGA but am now in the Labour Party,” Igwilo declared. “We decided to join the LP because it is the party for the people, and many elected members are aligned with it. Our principal, Mr. Peter Obi, has demonstrated good character and set an example in the LP. We are here to support him in his pursuit of a country that works for everyone. We left APGA because their slogan, ‘APGA bu nke ayi,’ has become empty rhetoric. The promises they made to us in Anambra have not been fulfilled, leaving the people disillusioned. Soludo has failed in his promises; he didn’t deliver on a single one. He pledged to hold local government elections after two years in office, but it has been three years, and he has failed to fulfill this commitment. Now he is seeking another term, which does not make sense. A politician who fails to deliver on promises should not be given another opportunity.”
Igwilo further criticized Soludo’s accomplishments, stating, “It is not an achievement for a governor to construct basic infrastructure such as boreholes and boast about it. Individuals can do such things. Our expectations are high as we join the Labour Party. LP elected officials have demonstrated their dedication to the people. Across the country, LP officials are performing admirably.”
Hon. Ogene, who is also the Chairman of the Committee on Renewable Energy in the House of Representatives, commended the defectors for their courage and patriotism in joining the Labour Party. He criticized Governor Soludo’s leadership policies, particularly his failure to conduct local government elections as promised during his campaign.
“It is not just about road construction,” Ogene emphasized. “Even an individual can build roads. True governance lies in a governor’s ability to resolve disputes, maintain adequate security, and effectively manage state affairs. There is unity in the LP, regardless of one’s geographic origin. The LP is always open. It is wise to join a party that is strong and to do so in a timely manner. You have come to strengthen the party, and together we will work towards taking over Anambra in 2025.”
Expressing his joy at the defection, Ozigbo said it validated his assessment of Soludo’s failure as a leader. He emphasized that Soludo’s time was up and that the Labour Party should take over and bring about positive change in Anambra.
“I am delighted to witness this significant event,” Ozigbo remarked. “You have made a fantastic decision that will contribute to the Labour Party producing the next governor of Anambra. I have listened to the people of Anambra, and they believe that the governor is not performing well. We are using this opportunity to declare that Soludo must vacate the Government House in 2025. His time is up. He has disappointed the people of Anambra. It is now up to the Labour Party to take charge. He has failed to live up to expectations, and I believe the people of Anambra will reject him and bring in the Labour Party in 2025, with me as the leader, to harness the state’s potential.”
As a gesture of goodwill, the leader of the defectors donated around 200 bags of 10kg rice to LP party members, including a ward office at Okpoko.
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