Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal wrangling, leadership crises, and lack of cohesion in his former party.
His defection was announced in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Chukwu explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Enugu State. He said his move was a reflection of his desire to align with a platform capable of delivering on democratic dividends and representing the collective aspirations of his people.
“Recent developments, including internal wrangling, leadership crises, policy disagreements, and lack of focus, have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties as a lawmaker. These challenges have undermined the core values upon which the Labour Party was founded,” Chukwu stated.
The senator expressed confidence that the APC offers a more stable, progressive, and inclusive platform for advancing national unity, economic growth, and good governance.
Reacting, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele congratulated Akpabio, President Bola Tinubu, and APC lawmakers on the growing wave of defections, describing it as a response to the administration’s progress.
In his remarks, Akpabio joked that he was “no longer worried about the left side of the aisle,” urging opposition parties to put their houses in order.
However, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro maintained that the opposition remained strong despite the defections, wishing Chukwu well in his new political home.
With Chukwu’s defection, the APC now holds 73 seats in the 10th Senate.
