Another member of the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives, Sunday Umahia, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today May 22, 2025.
Umahia, who represents the Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in Enugu State, cited the ongoing internal crisis within the Labour Party as the reason for his decision.
According to him, the persistent leadership tussle involving three individuals — Senator Nenadi Usman, Barrister Julius Abure, and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa — has left party members uncertain about who to recognize as the legitimate leader.
He noted in his defection letter, which was read during plenary by the speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, that he has decided to align with the APC and work with the President and the party’s leadership to offer direction for the nation, particularly the South East region.
However, the minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, criticized the increasing trend of defections by lawmakers, saying it undermines the essence of democracy and creates confusion within the National Assembly.
He called for a review of the constitutional provision on defections, stressing the need for amendments that will protect the integrity of democratic institutions.
Chinda argued that the Supreme Court has already resolved the Labour Party’s leadership dispute, which means it can no longer serve as a valid excuse for leaving the party.
He also referenced the House standing orders, especially those concerning the composition of committee leaderships, which are based on party affiliation.
He insisted that legislators who have defected should relinquish their leadership roles in House committees and that their former parties should be given the opportunity to nominate replacements.
