The House of Representatives member for Oredo Constituency of Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, has said his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was in line with his political interests.
Naijaonpoint reported that Iyawe and three other House members of the LP defected to the ruling APC citing leadership crisis.
Esosa Iyawe pointed out that he was uncomfortable with the Labour Party’s leadership crisis and numerous court cases against its leadership.
In a statement on Thursday, the first-time lawmaker in the 10th House of Representatives since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, stated that his defection was after consulting with family and constituent members.
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation as a member of Labour Party (LP), effective immediately. This decision was reached after careful consideration of my personal convictions and the alignment of my values with the political landscape today.
“My decision to resign from LP is as a result of the party’s inability to declare who should emerge as the legitimate Caretaker Committee from the National to State levels. More so, due the incessant tussle rocking the leadership of the party and the numerous perpetual Court cases against the Leadership of the party; myself and my supporters are in a state of confusion as to the Party’s stability in leadership.
“With regards to my right to freedom of association as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended); I hereby wish to notify you of my defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) whose ideas align with my political aspirations and ideology. This is after due consultations with my family and supporters,” Iyawe said.
He, however, thanked LP for giving him the platform. He commended the party’s contribution to the nation’s democracy.
“I hereby re-emphasize my resolve to continue my service and representation to my people as this decision will certainly improve my past performance at all levels.
“I thank the leadership and fellow members of Labour Party (LP) for the support, collaboration, and opportunities provided to me during my membership. I leave with gratitude and respect for the party’s efforts and contributions to our democracy,” Iyawe added.