Over 5,000 Defect To APC In Enugu As Minister Welcomes New Members.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has received a significant boost with over 5,000 defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joining its ranks. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, formally welcomed the defectors at a ceremony in Enugu, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in the APC’s leadership and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The event marks a notable shift in Enugu’s political landscape, traditionally a PDP stronghold.The defectors, including prominent local leaders and grassroots supporters, cited dissatisfaction with their former parties’ performance as a key reason for their move.
They expressed optimism about the APC’s economic policies, particularly its focus on job creation and infrastructure development. Onyejeocha assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, urging them to work towards consolidating the APC’s presence in Enugu ahead of the 2027 elections.
This mass defection underscores the APC’s aggressive push to expand its influence in Nigeria’s South-East, a region where it has historically struggled to gain traction.
The party has intensified its outreach, leveraging federal appointments and projects to attract support. However, critics argue that the defections may be driven by opportunism rather than ideological alignment, as some defectors reportedly seek political relevance in the ruling party.
The influx of new members poses both opportunities and challenges for the APC in Enugu. While it strengthens the party’s numerical base, integrating diverse groups with potentially conflicting interests could strain internal cohesion.
As the APC builds momentum, the PDP and LP are expected to counter with their own strategies to retain their supporters, setting the stage for a fiercely contested political battle in the state.
