A member of the House of Representatives, Sunday Umehia, who represents Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in Enugu State, has left the Labour Party (LP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umehia announced his defection during Thursday’s plenary session, citing ongoing internal conflict within the LP.
According to him, the leadership crisis, which has led to three different people Senator Nenadi Usman, Barrister Julius Abure, and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa claiming control of the party, has left members confused and uncertain about who to follow.
Umehia said he chose to align with the APC and support President Tinubu’s administration, particularly in advancing development in the South East.
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda criticized the wave of defections, saying it undermines Nigeria’s democracy and confuses voters.
He urged the House Speaker to use his constitutional powers to declare the seats of defecting lawmakers vacant.
Chinda also argued that the Supreme Court has already resolved the LP leadership issue, making defection on that basis unjustified.
He added that according to the House rules, lawmakers who switch parties should lose leadership positions on House committees, allowing their former parties to nominate replacements.
