The Labour Party Chairman in Kaduna State, Eld. Dr. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, has described the recent defection of Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as a major boost to the party under the leadership of Esther Nenadi Usman.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to DAILY POST in Kaduna, Danbaki said, “This move, announced just days after his resignation from APGA, marks the party’s first major gain since the protracted leadership crises that plagued it post-2023 elections. It underscores the goodwill and stabilizing influence of National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Dr. Nenadi Usman and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who are spearheading a renewed era of unity and progress.”
He explained that Ikwechegh confirmed his defection following a strategic meeting with Governor Otti, highlighting his alignment with the LP’s people-centered agenda, stressing that the development comes as a welcome reversal for the LP, which has endured significant setbacks but is now showing signs of resurgence under its current leadership.
According to him, “In the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party achieved a remarkable breakthrough, securing 8 seats in the Senate and 35 seats in the House of Representatives. This surge, largely fueled by the “Obidient” movement and widespread disillusionment with the status quo, positioned LP as the third-largest party in the National Assembly, behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 59 Senators and 180 Reps, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 36 Senators and 116 Reps.”
He lamented that, “the party’s fortunes dwindled amid internal turmoil under the former National Chairman, Julius Abure. Lack of trust and confidence in Abure’s leadership led to a wave of defections, deaths, and adverse court rulings”, saying that by mid-2025, LP had lost all 8 Senators through defections (primarily to APC and PDP), court-ordered reruns, and the unfortunate passing of members. In the House, the party hemorrhaged at least 8 lawmakers to defections alone, with others lost to legal battles, reducing its representation to a fraction of its initial strength.
“These exits were often cited as stemming from factional disputes, perceived corruption, and a leadership vacuum that eroded member loyalty,” he explained.
The state chairman observed, “The tide began to turn with the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Sen. Nenadi Usman as National Chairman, restoring stability and credibility. Usman’s gentle yet resilient approach, emphasizing reconciliation in the spirit of “no victor, no vanquish” has rebuilt trust. Her administration, supported by the National Caretaker Committee, has focused on inclusive congresses, merit-based politics, and ending internal divisions.”
He added, “Complementing this is Governor Alex Otti’s exemplary leadership in Abia State, which serves as a model for LP’s welfare-oriented vision. Otti’s policies, prompt salary payments, massive teacher and health worker recruitments, free education for indigent children, urban renewal, and the groundbreaking Senior Citizens Law providing stipends, free medical care, and support for the elderly, demonstrate what LP governance can achieve nationwide. Together, Usman and Otti’s goodwill has not only stemmed further losses but now attracted gains, with Ikwechegh’s defection signaling renewed confidence.”
He said that the party extends it’s warm invitation to all who left to come back home, saying that the storm is over and members of the party are waiting with open arms for all those who left the party to return.
“Let’s rebuild the people’s party together, one that prioritizes workers’ welfare, fights corruption, and delivers real progress for Nigerians,” he appealed.
He stressed, “This defection is more than a political shift; it’s a testament to LP’s enduring appeal. With Usman at the helm and Otti’s successes as inspiration, the party is poised for a comeback. Former members, the door is open, join us in building a working Nigeria for all.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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