More than 1,000 former members of the Labour Party (LP) have officially joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.
The defectors were welcomed by Governor Charles Soludo at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka, the state capital.
Chief Rochas Orji, the national coordinator, led the group alongside various state and local government coordinators.
Governor Soludo praised APGA as Nigeria’s leading progressive party and emphasized his commitment to creating an environment that would support the swift development of the state.
He reaffirmed that the party’s primary focus is on delivering effective governance and the benefits of democracy to the people of Anambra.
Ifeatu Obiokoye, the State Chairman of APGA, attributed the large-scale defection to the progress Governor Soludo has made in transforming the state, noting that it highlights the increasing struggles of the Labour Party, which has seen a notable decline in influence in Anambra.
Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, shared that the discussions leading up to the defection had been ongoing for six months.
He explained that the internal crisis within the LP, including allegations of mismanagement of campaign funds, favoritism in candidate selection, and the lack of a strong leadership structure, contributed to the mass departure.
“This large-scale resignation is a clear indication of the deepening crisis within the LP, with infighting at both the national and state levels. The exit of grassroots supporters, including the Oga Ndi Oga warriors, demonstrates that Anambra has now effectively become a stronghold for APGA, with few considering the LP a credible opposition,” Obiogbolu said.
