Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, the member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, has officially announced his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved leadership crises and a desire to align his constituents with the national political mainstream.
Umeha, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, made his decision public through a letter addressed to his constituents and read on the floor of the House during Thursday’s plenary session.
In the letter, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to the Labour Party for offering him a platform to rise in politics, but lamented that the party had lost its organizational strength and internal cohesion. He described its current state as a “shadow of what it used to represent.”
“This is a decision I have taken with a great sense of responsibility,” Umeha wrote. “My continued membership of the Labour Party, given the intractable leadership crisis plaguing it at national and state levels, would amount to political suicide.”
He emphasized that the move was not motivated by personal gain but by a desire to ensure his constituents are better connected to the federal government and national policymaking.
Highlighting Enugu’s historical and strategic relevance as the former capital of Eastern Nigeria, Umeha noted that it was imperative for the state and the South East at large to realign politically under the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Connecting our people to the center gives us the opportunity to bring tangible development and deliver on the legislative agenda we have pursued with vigor,” he said.
He also pointed to recent federal initiatives, such as the establishment of the South East Development Commission, as key indicators that the APC-led government is committed to the region’s growth. According to him, joining the APC will provide him with a stronger platform to negotiate and secure greater developmental projects for his constituency.
Umeha expressed appreciation to prominent APC leaders for their support and warm reception into the party. He mentioned several party stalwarts, including the Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji; APC Deputy Chairman (South), Hon. Emeka Emeukwu; Enugu State APC Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballa; APC National Chairman, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma.
“These leaders have made the APC a stable, viable alternative platform that reflects the aspirations of progressive-minded Nigerians,” Umeha added.
Concluding his address, the lawmaker pledged to continue serving his constituents with dedication, regardless of political affiliation.
“My commitment to the people of Ezeagu-Udi Federal Constituency and Enugu State remains unshaken. I will continue to champion their interests and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
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