Sowore Slams Labour Party Lawmakers for Defecting to Ruling APC
In a scathing critique, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has condemned the current crop of Labour Party lawmakers for their mass defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sowore’s remarks come amidst a wave of defections that has seen several Labour Party members in both the Senate and House of Representatives switch allegiance to the APC.
According to reports, notable lawmakers such as Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo) have all defected to the ruling party. This exodus has raised concerns about the stability and integrity of the Labour Party, with Sowore asserting that these lawmakers are "not real" and lack commitment to their original party’s ideals.
In an interview on Channels Television, Sowore expressed his disappointment, stating, "Look at all the Labour Party people in the National Assembly — they’re not decamping back to where they came from. They’re decamping to the APC. That’s the point; these guys are not real. They weren’t real in 2023, and they won’t be in 2027." His comments highlight the perception that these lawmakers are driven by personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to public service.
The list of defectors includes Daulyop Fom Chollom (Plateau), who represents the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, as well as Hon Odey Brian, who represents Yala 1 State Constituency in the Cross River House of Assembly. Ajang Iliya, representing Jos South/Jos East federal constituency in Plateau state, and Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo state), representing the Imo East senatorial district, have also jumped ship to the APC.
Sowore’s criticism underscores the challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria, where the lure of power and resources often leads to defections and political realignments. As the country navigates its complex political landscape, the actions of these lawmakers will likely have significant implications for the future of the Labour Party and the broader political landscape.
In conclusion, Sowore’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the need for political integrity and commitment to party ideals. As Nigeria continues to evolve politically, it is essential for lawmakers to prioritize the interests of their constituents and the nation as a whole, rather than pursuing personal gain or political expediency. The mass defection of Labour Party lawmakers to the APC raises important questions about the state of opposition politics in Nigeria and the challenges that lie ahead for those seeking to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
