A hit of setback has continuously eroded the gain of the Labour Party (LP) as scores of its elected members are defecting to another political party.
The member representing Jos South and East Federal Constituency Alfred Illiya Ajang, on Thursday, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday, the now-defected member claimed that the crisis in the Labour Party was the reason for his defection.
Similarly, Bayelsa governorship candidate for Labour Party in the November 2023 has also dumped the party.
Eradiri dumped the party alongside his then running mate, Benjamin Nathus on Thursday, December 12.
In a letter addressed to the Labour Party’s chairman in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State capital city, the politicians said their decision is to enable them prepare for the needed leadership.
Dated December 8, Eradiri in the letter titled, ‘Letter of Withdrawal as Labour Party Member,’ said he took the decision to enable him pursue his political career on a platform ready and prepared to provide the kind of leadership that Bayelsa deserved.
Appreciating members of the Labour Party, Eradiri said he has been engaged in some consultations with key individuals to decide his next line of action.
He said: “But unfortunately, we couldn’t sail through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership. We are consulting seriously and engaging all stakeholders to know the next political party to join.
“Our next party of interest will be such that will enable us to provide service to the people and move Bayelsa forward,” Eradiri said
Recent spate of defections from the LP to the ruling APC has added to the swelling number of federal lawmakers dumping one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.
A few days back, another lawmaker Dalyop Chollom representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency dumped the LP for the APC. He cited the crisis in the party as his reason.
Some weeks back, four members of the House of Representatives dumped the LP for the ruling party, citing squabbles in the Labour Party.
Following their defection, the LP threatened legal action and claimed their action was unconstitutional.
The Labour Party made inroads in national politics in the 2023 general election years after its formation. It got six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats.
