In a significant political shift, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, who represents Enugu East Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was confirmed on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday, marking yet another high-profile move that could reshape the political dynamics in Enugu State and beyond.
Senator Chukwu, who won the senatorial seat on the platform of the Labour Party following the tragic assassination of his elder brother, Oyibo Chukwu, during the 2023 election campaign, cited internal crisis within the LP as the main reason for his decision.
Reasons Behind the Defection:
In his letter addressed to the Senate President and read during plenary, Senator Chukwu stated that his move was informed by the need to align with a party that ensures unity, development, and stability. He noted that persistent internal wrangling and unresolved leadership crises within the Labour Party have hindered effective representation and progress.
According to Chukwu, the APC’s structure at both state and national levels offers a more conducive platform to deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents in Enugu East.
Implications for Enugu Politics:
The defection comes at a critical time when the Labour Party is battling several legal and leadership challenges. Senator Chukwu’s exit deals a blow to the LP’s presence in the Southeast and boosts the APC’s political strength in the region.
Analysts suggest that the senator’s switch could influence other lawmakers or political stakeholders within the zone to reconsider their affiliations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Welcomes Chukwu
The leadership of the APC has since welcomed Senator Chukwu, describing his move as a strategic step towards building a more inclusive and formidable political force in the Southeast. APC officials have pledged full support to the senator as he continues to represent the interests of his constituents under the new party.
Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s defection marks a turning point in Enugu East’s political landscape. As party alignments continue to shift across the country, the move reflects ongoing changes within Nigeria’s political space.
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