Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, who represents Nsukka/Igbo Eze South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has explained why he resigned from the Labour Party and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the main reason for his decision was the leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which has led to multiple factions at both the national and state levels.
Despite the Supreme Court nullifying the Appeal Court ruling that upheld Julius Abure as the national chairman, Abure still insists on remaining in charge.
At the same time, other factions led by Senator Nenadi Usman and Alhaji Apapa are also claiming leadership, making it difficult for the party to function properly.
In Enugu State, the crisis is mirrored by two rival factions led by Casmir Agbo and Kingsley Ugwu, making the party deeply divided and unstable.
Obetta said he chose to leave to avoid distractions and to remain focused on fulfilling his campaign promises to his constituents.
He explained that he initially entered politics in 2013 out of a passion to impact lives and serve society more broadly.
He felt that staying in the Labour Party would hinder his ability to do so, which is why he moved back to the PDP, especially now that the party, under Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State, is showing signs of reform and genuine development.
He praised Governor Mbah’s administration for its efforts in transforming the state through initiatives in education, healthcare, tourism, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.
For instance, the government is building smart schools and health centres in each electoral ward, reconstructing the Presidential Hotel, adding new aircraft to the state’s airline, purchasing hundreds of CNG buses, and planning farm estates in all wards to boost food production and job creation.
Obetta believes that returning to the PDP will help him attract more development to his constituency, especially with the governor’s invitation to work closely with the administration.
On the issue of insecurity in his constituency, Obetta acknowledged the recent kidnapping of 15 people in the Ibagwa-Agu community and expressed concern that insecurity is spreading from Uzo-Uwani to other areas.
He believes that by working with the state government, he can help draw attention to these threats and protect farming communities from being abandoned due to fear.
Finally, Obetta said he wants to be remembered for creating a lasting legacy through meaningful projects and youth empowerment.
Although he has already received praise for initiatives like boreholes, town halls, and employment programmes, he is determined not to rest until he completes more impactful projects during his time in office.
