…the Abia lawmaker defection could strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in the State House of Assembly.
Nvosi, Nigeria – The iNews Times | The Abia lawmaker defection wave intensified on Wednesday as Mandela Obasi, the member representing Ohafia North constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the Labour Party Nigeria.
Obasi confirmed his decision to journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with Alex Otti at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, located in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, alongside other political stakeholders in the state.
Defection Linked to PDP Crisis
Speaking after the meeting, the three-term lawmaker said the defection was driven by what he described as persistent internal crises within the PDP.
According to him, the absence of a clear leadership structure and widespread divisions among party members influenced his decision to leave the party.
“I am leaving PDP, and the reason why I’m leaving PDP is because we don’t have a leader any longer,” Obasi said.
He further alleged that many members of the party in Abia had already aligned themselves with other political platforms despite still formally belonging to the PDP.
“Some of us in PDP have their legs in ADC; some in APC, so what am I doing there? If you check in the Abia State House of Assembly, I’m one of the last men standing there in PDP,” he added.
Political observers say the Abia lawmaker defection reflects the deepening challenges facing the PDP in Abia State as rival political parties continue to attract its members.
Support for Governor Otti’s Administration
Obasi also attributed his move to the Labour Party to what he described as the visible achievements of Governor Alex Otti across the state.
He said the administration’s development initiatives and governance style convinced him that joining the ruling party in the state would better serve his constituents.
The lawmaker explained that aligning with the Labour Party would enable him to work more closely with the state government to attract development projects to his constituency.
Analysts say the Abia lawmaker defection could strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in the State House of Assembly, where the party already enjoys significant support.
More Defections Expected
Obasi further disclosed that his move to the Labour Party may soon be followed by a larger political shift.
According to him, arrangements are being made for a formal event during which many of his supporters and political associates will officially defect to the Labour Party.
“A date will soon be announced for the defection of my supporters and political structure into the Labour Party,” he said.
Political watchers believe that such a development could further weaken the PDP’s presence in the Abia State legislature.
PDP Representation Shrinks
With the Abia lawmaker defection, the Peoples Democratic Party is now left with only one member in the Abia State House of Assembly.
The development highlights the growing political realignments taking place in the state ahead of future electoral contests.
Meanwhile, the PDP suffered another setback earlier on Wednesday when Austin Akobundu, the senator representing Abia Central senatorial district, also announced his resignation from the party.
Akobundu cited the lingering crisis within the party as the main reason for his decision.
Observers say the simultaneous exits of prominent politicians could signal deeper structural problems within the PDP in Abia State.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, the Abia lawmaker defection is expected to reshape alliances within the state’s political landscape and could have far-reaching implications for party strength and legislative balance in the months ahead.
