Enugu Lawmaker Denies Leadership Crisis in Labour Party Amid Defections

Harrison Ogara, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, has refuted claims of a leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP). His statement comes in response to the recent defection of six LP members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ogara dismissed the notion of a crisis within the LP, labeling the claim as false and deceptive. He emphasized that there was no justification for the defections to the PDP, asserting that he and others had been working cohesively as a team for the past nine months, irrespective of party affiliations.

While acknowledging the performance of Governor Peter Mbah, Ogara maintained that members could support him from within the Labour Party without defecting. He criticized the defectors, suggesting that they were abandoning the party that facilitated their positions in the House of Assembly.

The lawmaker reiterated that while individuals were free to join any party, they should not do so through deceit. He indicated that the Labour Party would seek to have the seats of the defected lawmakers declared vacant, citing the Electoral Act which stipulates the loss of legislative seats upon crossing to another party.

Ogara expressed regret over the actions of the defectors, emphasizing that the Labour Party would be more selective in awarding its tickets in the future, ensuring that only committed individuals receive them.

Politics Nigeria