Ikwechegh Defects to Labour Party, Denies Joining APC

The member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Labour Party (LP).

Ikwechegh disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking 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.

The lawmaker said his visit was to formally inform the governor of his decision and to receive his blessings as the party’s leader in the state. He confirmed that he had resigned from APGA before officially joining the Labour Party.

Ikwechegh dismissed speculation that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

“There have been speculations that after I met with the President, I joined the APC. This is not true,” he said.

Clarifying his meeting with Tinubu, Ikwechegh explained that he only attended an Iftar event hosted by the President and that the visit should not be misconstrued as a political defection.

“We went to observe the Iftar with the President, and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture,” he stated, adding that he had already received his Labour Party membership card.

He stressed that he held no grievances against politicians who had chosen to align with the APC or other political groups, noting that politics is largely driven by interests and perspectives.

Ikwechegh attributed his decision to join the Labour Party to what he described as Governor Otti’s performance and leadership style. He said his political ideology aligns with that of the governor and cited ongoing transformation in Abia State as a motivating factor.

According to him, the Labour Party remains the appropriate platform for progressive-minded individuals. He also commended the party’s leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha.

The lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system requires a vibrant opposition to strengthen governance and accountability. He urged residents of Abia State and other Nigerians to register with the Labour Party, adding that an online registration link would soon be made available.

Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Leader of the Labour Party caucus in the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, welcomed Ikwechegh into the party.

Onwusibe disclosed that Ikwechegh resigned from APGA last week before joining the Labour Party and had earlier been received by the LP caucus in Abuja prior to his formal presentation to the governor.

“As caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” he said.

Describing the defection as a major boost for the party, Onwusibe expressed optimism that it would strengthen the LP ahead of the 2027 general elections. He likened the development to a football club signing a talented player, saying such additions enhance team performance.

He further noted that Ikwechegh was inspired by Governor Otti’s performance and the contributions of Labour Party lawmakers from Abia in the National Assembly, including Amobi Ogah.

“We are very happy that he is now in our family. This is one of the best signings the Labour Party has made, and it will manifest in the 2027 election,” Onwusibe stated.