In one of the most significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, the entire Enugu State caucus in the House of Representatives has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Thursday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read the lawmakers’ letters of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) during plenary.
The defection was witnessed by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, in a move widely seen as consolidating the state’s growing ties with the ruling party at the federal level.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji described the decision as “a bold and strategic step” to reposition Enugu for greater participation in national governance and development.
“Just come to Enugu and see what is happening there,” Nnaji said. “The governor is doing a lot for our people. We also want to bring our state to the centre.”
He explained that Enugu had “for too long remained in opposition,” missing out on opportunities to influence policy and attract federal projects.
“That era is over,” he added. “By aligning with the APC — the party leading national transformation — we are connecting our constituencies to the heartbeat of national development.”
The lawmakers who defected include Martins Oke, Anayo Onwuegbu, Nnamdi Agbo, Nnolim Nnaji, and Mark Obetta.
Their defection marks a major boost for the APC in the South East, a region where the party has traditionally faced electoral resistance. Political analysts say the move could reshape the balance of power in Enugu State ahead of 2027.
In a related development, Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in Plateau State, also left the Labour Party for the APC, citing his desire to work with a “progressive national government.”
Reacting to the development, the APC leadership welcomed the new members, describing their defection as “a clear vote of confidence” in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its vision for unity and national development.
