Peter Obi's Labour Party Loses More Ground in Enugu Politics as Hon. Sunday Umeha Dumps LP for APC

 

The political landscape in Enugu State has once again shifted dramatically following the defection of Hon. Sunday Umeha from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umeha, who represents the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, is the latest high-profile lawmaker to abandon the LP, triggering a fresh wave of uncertainty for the party.

Hon. Umeha’s decision marks a deepening crisis for the LP, which has faced a string of internal challenges and growing discontent among its ranks in recent months. The defection is seen by many observers as a significant blow to the party’s influence not only in Enugu State but in the wider southeastern political terrain where it had gained traction during the last general elections.

Party loyalists and constituents have expressed mixed feelings over the announcement. Some see the move as a betrayal of the LP’s vision, while others argue it reflects a broader realignment in Nigeria’s ever-fluid political environment. Umeha, known for his grassroots appeal and active engagement with his constituency, has yet to offer a detailed explanation for the switch, though sources close to his camp suggest strategic political considerations and frustrations with the LP leadership played a key role.

Analysts believe this defection could embolden other lawmakers contemplating similar moves. With the APC gaining momentum and positioning itself for the 2027 electoral cycle, political survival and access to federal structures appear to be strong motivating factors for defectors. Umeha’s move, therefore, might be more than just an isolated case; it could signify the start of a larger exodus, especially if the LP fails to stabilize and present a unified front.

Enugu State, long regarded as a stronghold of opposition voices, has seen increasing inroads by the APC in recent times. The party’s leadership, particularly at the national level, has been actively courting politicians from rival factions, promising greater political leverage and development opportunities.

Reactions from LP leaders have been swift but cautious. A senior party official who spoke under anonymity described Umeha’s defection as “unfortunate but not entirely unexpected,” adding that the party remains committed to its core principles and will continue to build a credible alternative to the dominant political structures in Nigeria.

Citizens of Udi and Ezeagu await clarification from their representative, with some community leaders calling for a town hall meeting to address what they consider a critical shift in political allegiance. The constituents, many of whom voted LP in the last election cycle with high hopes for change, now feel left in the dark.

While the APC celebrates its newest acquisition, the LP must grapple with the mounting challenges of retaining its base and sustaining the momentum it once enjoyed. Whether the party can recover from these recent setbacks remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the political tide in Enugu, and indeed across Nigeria, is changing swiftly—and no party can afford to be caught unprepared.