The political dynamics in Enugu State took a dramatic turn on Thursday as the entire structure of the Labour Party in Enugu East Local Government Area collapsed into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the defection of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Leading the mass movement was the Executive Chairman of Umuchigbo Iji Nike and Enugu East Local Government Labour Party Chairman, Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene popularly known as Akirika Chioku I Na Nike. At a rally held in Umuchigbo Iji Nike ward, Chief Ogbene declared that the decision to join APC was driven by his admiration for the governor’s “uncommon and unprecedented developmental strides” in the state.

“When the news of the imminent defection of the amiable, hardworking and dependable Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Ndubuisi Mbah, from the PDP to the APC broke, I became very excited,” Chief Ogbene stated. “I told myself that this is the right time to join forces with him and contribute my quota in taking Enugu to a greater height.

"Therefore, in consideration of the uncommon and unprecedented developmental activities of the governor, I have no hesitation to joyfully announce my decision to follow in his footsteps. I also announce that my friends and teeming supporters have indicated their interest in becoming members of the APC.”

The event witnessed a massive turnout of party faithful and supporters. Addressing the crowd, Enugu East Local Government Chairman, Pastor Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike, hailed the development as historic.

“It’s on record that within 48 hours of the declaration of our dear governor for the APC from PDP, it is only in Enugu East Local Government that we are hosting the collapse of the Labour Party in the entire state,” Anike said.

He praised Chief Ogbene’s grassroots mobilization capacity and assured the new members of full inclusion in the local government’s political structure.

“With the entrance of the former Labour chieftain into the APC, our work will be smoother in the coming election as we’ll work in synergy to deliver Governor Mbah in 2027,” he added.

Representing Governor Mbah at the event, Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, applauded Chief Ogbene and his supporters for their decision to align with the ruling party.

“Everybody knows that the right thing for every Igbo person is to join the APC and be part of the mainstream politics to benefit at the national level,” Ogbodo said. “Governor Mbah understands the need to end the treatment of our people as second-class citizens. Joining the APC is the right call for our people.”

He conveyed the governor’s warm greetings to the people of Umuchigbo and assured them of continued good governance and inclusion under the APC-led administration.

The defecting Labour Party members expressed optimism about their new political home, citing renewed hope for growth and development in Enugu East. The mass defection marks a significant realignment of political forces in the state, signaling growing momentum for the APC ahead of future elections.