NDC RECORDS MAJOR DEFECTION IN OGUTA AS LABOUR PARTY LEADERSHIP DUMPS LP OVER PROLONGED CRISIS
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
The political landscape in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State witnessed a significant shift on Saturday as the entire leadership structure and key stakeholders of the Labour Party (LP) in the area officially defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the lingering internal crisis rocking the Labour Party at the national level.
The defectors, led by the former Oguta LGA Chairman of the Labour Party, Apostle David Ebirim, announced their resignation from the party after what they described as extensive consultations and strategic meetings with political stakeholders across the local government area. The group was formally received into the NDC during a meeting with the Imo State leadership of the party led by the State Chairman, Barr. Reginald Uwakwe.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Apostle Ebirim said the decision to leave the Labour Party was not taken lightly but became necessary due to the prolonged leadership tussles, internal divisions, and litigations that have continued to weaken the party’s structure nationwide. According to him, the crisis has severely affected grassroots mobilization and electoral preparedness in many states and local government areas, including Oguta.
He noted that the Labour Party, which emerged as a major political force during the 2023 general elections and attracted massive support from Nigerians seeking political reforms, has since become engulfed in unresolved disputes over party leadership and control. The situation, he said, has created uncertainty within the party and diminished the confidence of many members and supporters across the country.
Apostle Ebirim further stated that the defection was also influenced by the recent political realignments at the national level, especially the movement of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the NDC. He explained that members of the Labour Party in Oguta considered it necessary to align themselves with what they described as a more stable and progressive political platform capable of advancing the aspirations of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today, we have made a bold but difficult decision in the interest of our people and the future of democratic participation in Oguta. The Labour Party gave hope to millions of Nigerians in 2023, but unfortunately, the lingering internal crisis and endless litigations have left the party politically weakened and largely unprepared for future electoral contests,” Ebirim stated.
He added that the stakeholders resolved to join the NDC to contribute to the strengthening of democracy, national unity, justice, fairness, and inclusive political participation, stressing that the Oguta people are in search of a credible and viable political platform that can effectively represent their interests.
Receiving the defectors, the Imo State Chairman of the NDC, Barr. Reginald Uwakwe, commended the former Labour Party leaders for what he described as a courageous and strategic political decision. He assured them of equal opportunities within the NDC and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building a broad-based political movement capable of transforming Imo State and Nigeria at large.
Political observers believe the development may further reshape the political dynamics in Oguta LGA and parts of Imo State ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as internal crises continue to affect the cohesion and stability of several opposition parties across the country.
