Lawmaker addresses colleagues who left LP for APC

George Ibezimako Ozodinobi [/b](LP, Anambra), has criticized the decision of some Labour Party [/b](LP) lawmakers to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking after the Speaker announced the defections during Thursday’s plenary, Ozodinobi declared that the defectors would regret their decision, asserting they have no future in their new party.

According to reports, four LP members—Esosa Iyawe (Edo), Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), and Bassey Akiba (Cross River)—crossed over to the APC.

Additionally, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (Delta) defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

APC

The defectors cited internal divisions within their former parties as the reason for their move. Reacting to this, Ozodinobi raised a point of order during the plenary, expressing disappointment with his colleagues who had left the Labour Party.

In a passionate address, he stated that the defections were a personal choice that would eventually lead to regret. He compared the situation to a biblical reference, saying, "I will quote the Bible. When Jesus was carrying the cross to Calvary, the woman, Veronica, was weeping. And he looked back and said, 'Women of Israel, don’t weep for me, weep for yourselves.'”

Ozodinobi went on to express that the defectors, who had abandoned the Labour Party, would “continue weeping for themselves” as they had made a choice that he believed would not benefit their political careers. He further emphasized, “Where you have crossed over to, you don’t have a future.”

The Labour Party lawmaker’s strong words highlighted his disapproval of the defections, especially given the political climate within Nigeria and the internal struggles that parties like LP, PDP, and APC have faced. While the defectors cited the internal issues of their previous parties, Ozodinobi believes they have made a poor decision, and the long-term consequences will be negative for their political ambitions.

As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the defectors will prove Ozodinobi wrong or if the Labour Party lawmaker’s prediction will come true. However, his comments are sure to stir further debate on the current state of Nigerian politics and party affiliations.

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