Barely 48 hours after the political realignment that shook Enugu’s political base, the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu East Local Government Area, Afam Joseph Ogbene, has resigned from the party. He defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his entire ward executive.
Ogbene announced his resignation on Thursday during a ceremony held at Umuchigbo Iji-Nike Civic Centre, where a large crowd of supporters joined him in declaring allegiance to the ruling APC.
Explaining his decision, Ogbene said he was inspired by the leadership vision and foresight of Governor Peter Mbah, who officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC earlier this week.
He described the move as both difficult and necessary, stressing that it aligned with his desire to support Mbah’s developmental agenda for Enugu State.
“It is with hope and excitement that I announce my resignation as Chairman of the Labour Party in Enugu East and withdraw my membership from the party,” Ogbene declared.
He explained that despite the sacrifices made to build the Labour Party, internal crises and sabotage rendered their collective efforts meaningless.
“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and supporters, I decided to resign and join the APC. When I heard of the imminent defection of our hardworking Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, I became convinced that this was the right time to align with him in rebuilding Enugu State,” he said.
Ogbene further revealed that his supporters and ward executives unanimously agreed to join the APC in solidarity with the governor’s vision.
“We are committed to supporting His Excellency, Dr. Mbah, out of our own free will. We recognise his performance and believe in his capacity to deliver even more. Hence, we are not considering any alternative in 2027,” he added.
Receiving Ogbene and his team on behalf of the governor, Commissioner for Rural Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, praised their decision as a historic political shift.
“What is happening here today is the first total collapse of the Labour Party in any local government in Enugu State,” Ogbodo said. “The crowd here shows your influence and credibility.”
He added that it was time for the South-East to join the mainstream of national politics, where, according to him, “power and opportunities are shared.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, described the event as “a thing of joy,” saying the defection marked the complete collapse of the Labour Party’s structure in Enugu East.