NIGERIA: Mass Defection Hits Labour Party as Four Lawmakers And Ibori’s Daughter Join APC

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Labour Party (LP) has suffered a major blow in the House of Representatives, as four of its lawmakers defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The exodus also saw Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

The lawmakers who switched allegiance include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo).

Their defection letters were read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Explaining his decision, Donatus Mathew, who represents the Kaura Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, attributed his move to personal conviction, rather than a direct mandate from his constituents.

“You cannot just work on the decisions of the people at the constituency level because you are dealing with people with different levels of understanding.

“I am taking this decision based on conviction. Whether you like it or not, there are people within the constituency who are convinced this is the right decision for them,” Mathew said.

Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu’s defection from the PDP further highlights growing tensions and shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Her decision to join the APC signals a significant political realignment in Delta State, where her family wields considerable influence.