Five Enugu LP, PDP Reps Defect To APC

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

Five members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State have announced their defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Plenary on Thursday.

Those who defected are; Those who joined the APC are Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency; Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency; Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency.

Others are; Hon. Oke Martins, representing Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency; and Hon. Nnolim John Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency.

Their defection was announced through their separate letters read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

The lawmakers cited lingering leadership crisis in the two parties as reasons for their defections.

The National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, former Minister of Defence, Fedelia Njeze among other witnesses the defection of the members.

Hon. Denis Agbo and Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta were elected into the House on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), defected to the PDP earlier in May before their subsequent defection to the APC.

Speaking at a Press briefing after their defection, they stated that, they decided to join Governor Mbah to the APC.

Speaking on behalf of the other defectors, the Deputy Leader of the South East caucus in the House, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji said, they defected because they resolved to stand with their state Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership in order to move Enugu State forward on the path of development.

He said, “today, we stand before you filled with joy, conviction, and purpose. With your blessing and in line with our collective decision to stand firmly with our visionary Governor, Dr. Barrister Peter Ndubisi Mbah, we will this day — October 30, 2025 — during plenary at the House of Representatives, formally announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This is not just a political move — it is a bold step into the future. A step borne out of courage, clarity, and our shared determination to reposition Enugu state for greatness.

“For too long, our dear Enugu State has remained in opposition, watching from the sidelines as others shaped the destiny of our nation and accessed opportunities that could have transformed our people’s lives. That era is over! We refuse to remain spectators when we can be key players in Nigeria’s progress.

“By aligning with the APC — the party steering national transformation — we are connecting our constituency to the heartbeat of national development. This alignment will bring more projects, more jobs, better infrastructure, and greater empowerment for our youths, women, and communities.

“This decision wasn’t made on impulse. It comes from deep reflection and a burning desire to see our people rise above limits and take their rightful place in the national spotlight.

“We salute our Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his courage, foresight, and leadership. He has shown us that true progress demands bold choices.

“We have decided to team up with our amiable and dynamic governor, who has through his transformational leadership changed the face of Enugu state in just two years. Through Governor Mbah, Enugu state has become the reference point for good leadership.

“We, therefore commend Governor Mbah for his developmental exploits in education, aviation, science and Information technology and indeed all areas of human endeavour. Today, there is security of lives and property and investors are flooding into Enugu state to take advantage of the fertile environment provided by Governor Mbah.Together with him, we are saying yes to a new chapter of unity, opportunity, and growth for Enugu State.

“To our brothers and sisters who have walked this journey with us — thank you. To our colleagues and supporters across party lines — let us unite in purpose. Politics should never divide us; it should empower us to serve our people better.

“As your representatives, we remain your voice, your advocate, and your servant in the National Assembly. We will continue to defend your interests, attract development, and ensure that every corner of Enugu State feels the impact of good governance.

“Today, we open the gates of a new dawn. A dawn of hope, inclusion, and prosperity. A dawn where Enugu state takes her rightful place in the story of Nigeria’s progress. Let us rise together, believe together, and build together — for the best days of our people are not behind us…they are just beginning”.