In a significant political move, Hon. Eze Gabriel Lebechi, the member representing Isi-Uzo State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Lebechi announced his defection during a plenary session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, attributing his decision to the unresolved internal crisis plaguing the Labour Party, which he described as being on the brink of collapse.
Reading from a formal letter addressed to the House and presented by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, the lawmaker expressed regret over his departure but insisted it was necessary for the progress of his constituency and political career.
“The Labour Party has been engulfed in internal conflicts for a long time, and unfortunately, those issues have remained unresolved,” Lebechi said. “After much consultation and deliberation with my constituents and key stakeholders, it became clear that the party no longer offers a viable platform to achieve our goals. In its current state, the Labour Party is practically dead.”
He went on to explain that beyond the party’s challenges, his decision was heavily influenced by the development strides of the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Lebechi praised the governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Enugu into a modern, thriving state.
“Our governor is a man of action. He said his administration would not be business as usual, and he has kept that promise,” Lebechi declared. “From security to healthcare, roads, agriculture, and infrastructure, he is delivering results. As someone with a background in computer science, I understand the power of innovation, and I can see clearly how Governor Mbah is using technology and smart governance to uplift our state.”
He likened the governor’s ambition to turn Enugu into a London-like city as not just rhetoric but a visible reality already taking shape. “He is not just making promises; he is implementing them. I believe in what he’s doing, and I want to be part of that transformation,” Lebechi added.
While expressing gratitude to his former supporters and those who helped him emerge victorious under the Labour Party platform, Lebechi insisted that his defection was in the best interest of the people of Isi-Uzo. “I didn’t make this decision lightly. It followed honest consultations with my constituents. Their overwhelming advice was to align with a party that offers real prospects and that party is the PDP.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, legislative duties, and working with his colleagues in the House to support the policies and programs of the state government.
His defection is seen as a political boost for the PDP in Enugu State, further consolidating the ruling party’s influence and possibly signaling more shifts in the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
