NIGERIA: Enugu Labour Party Leaders Defect To PDP Amid Allegations Of Political Pressure

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in Enugu Titus Odo, has officially defected to the People’s Democratic Party.

He was joined by Prince Emeka Mamah, a former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and the State Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign during the 2023 election.

The move has triggered fresh concerns about internal instability within the Labour Party and the possible use of state influence to dismantle opposition strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection was made public at the PDP State Secretariat in Enugu where the state chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, received the duo.

Chukwunwike told party members that the return of the defectors was the result of a direct order from Governor Peter Mbah.

According to him, Mbah instructed the party leadership to work toward bringing back former PDP members who had left for other political parties.

Political insiders in Enugu say the defection may not be voluntary.

There are growing allegations that some defectors were promised political protection, access to government contracts and future appointments.

Mr Odo said he returned to the PDP because of the developmental projects carried out by Governor Mbah.

He praised the governor’s “giant strides” in Enugu and claimed that the transformation of Igboeze North under Council Chairman Uchenna Ogara also influenced his decision.

He also mentioned that the defection of Dr Chijioke Edeoga, the LP Governorship candidate in the 2023 election, encouraged him to follow suit.

Odo had in 2023 left the PDP for the Labour Party, campaigning heavily against the same government he now praises.

His return has sparked outrage among some LP members who accuse him of betrayal and opportunism.

Prince Emeka Mamah also commended the governor and PDP leaders for welcoming him back.

It is observed that several LP members in Enugu North senatorial zone have been quietly lobbying for return to the PDP since late 2024.

A party source told this reporter that “many of them never believed in the LP. They only used it as a platform to negotiate power during the Obi wave.”

There are also concerns that public funds may be used indirectly to reward returnees through political appointments and contracts.

So far, no official statement has been made by the Labour Party regarding the defections.