The member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has defected to the Labour Party after resigning from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ikwechegh disclosed his decision on Tuesday during an interview with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He said the visit was to formally inform the governor of his decision to join the Labour Party and to receive his blessings as a member of the party.
According to him, he had already obtained his Labour Party membership card and formally resigned from APGA before joining the new platform.
Ikwechegh dismissed reports claiming he had joined the All Progressives Congress after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, clarifying that he only attended an Iftar event hosted by the President and that the visit should not be interpreted as a defection.
He described politics as driven by interest and stressed that his decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by his admiration for Governor Otti’s performance and what he termed the visible transformation in Abia State.
The lawmaker commended the leadership of the party under Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, describing the Labour Party as a platform for progressive-minded individuals. He also urged residents to register with the party, saying an online registration link would soon be made available.
Speaking on behalf of the party caucus in the National Assembly, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Labour Party caucus leader, Ginger Onwusibe, confirmed that Ikwechegh resigned from APGA last week before formally joining the party.
Onwusibe described the defection as a significant gain for the Labour Party and expressed confidence that it would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He likened the development to a football club signing a talented player, saying the addition would enhance the party’s political strength and representation.
