Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) is gaining momentum in Anambra State ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial elections. A surge of defectors, including prominent members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the state’s ruling party, joined the LP ranks this week.

Disenchantment with Soludo Fuels Party Switching

The influx of new members is attributed in part to dissatisfaction with the performance of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was elected on the APGA platform in 2021. Valentine Ozigbo, a former governorship candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who recently defected to the LP, capitalized on this sentiment during a reception ceremony for the new members.

Ozigbo, now an LP aspirant for the 2025 gubernatorial race, declared that “Governor Soludo’s time is up” and vowed to unseat the incumbent. He claimed that Soludo has “failed in his responsibilities” and that “Anambra people will dispense with him” in the upcoming elections.

LP Promises Fresh Start, Focuses on Grassroots Mobilization

Ozigbo urged the new LP members to act as “fishers of men” by convincing others to join the party. He emphasized the LP’s potential to deliver positive change, describing it as a “moving train.” Ogene Afam, a federal representative and chairman of the LP’s National Assembly caucus, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the party’s focus on effective governance and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

The influx of disgruntled APGA members included former local government chairmen, ward leaders, and influential figures from Ogbaru Local Government Area. Prince Igwilo, a former APGA chieftain who led the defectors, expressed their collective disappointment with Soludo’s administration. He pointed to unfulfilled campaign promises and a perceived lack of progress on key issues.

With the LP gaining ground and established parties like the PDP likely to field strong candidates, Soludo may face a significant challenge in his bid for re-election. The effectiveness of the LP’s grassroots mobilization efforts and their ability to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current administration will likely be key factors in determining the outcome of the 2025 polls.

Source: Vanguard