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By Myke Agunwa
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the 2023 governorship candidate of Labour Party in Enugu State, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga on Monday, dumped his party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Edeoga who visited the PDP secretratiat in Enugu State with some of his supporters, described PDP as ‘home’, citing the need to join hands with the State governo, Peter Mbah to attract development to Enugu.
Edeoga stated that though his decision might not go down well with some of his associates; he added that a united front ahead of the 2027 election cycle must be pursued by all who mean well for the State.
“I am impressed by Governor Mbah’s visionary and transformative leadership, which has inspired me to return to the PDP.
“I know that my decision to return to the PDP may not be appreciated by some, but I believe it is time for us to unite as a family and form a formidable front,” he said.
While welcoming the ex-LP chieftain, Enugu State PDP Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, described Edeoga’s return as a testament to Governor Mbah’s “audacious leadership.
“We are excited to have Edeoga back in the PDP fold, and we are confident that more former members who had left the party would soon return,” he said.
The Chairman of Isi-uzo Local Government Area, Mr Obiora Obegu, described Edeoga’s return as “A step in the right direction, ” saying, “With Edeoga’s return, the PDP will now become stronger and more united, free from distractions and rancour. “
However a member of the Labour party in the state who supported Edeoga through out his struggle to retrieve “His stolen mandate through the court” described the move as “the last kick of a dying horse”.
The supporter who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity wondered why Edeoga who was “The peoples choice” in the 2023 general election should abandon his followers and “Return to his vomit”.
The supporter who was visible angry with the move said, “Edeoga’s return to the PDP though not very surprising goes to confirm that most politicians lack character and principle.
“Infact, it is imperative that it was the Obidient wave that gave Edeoga such a massive vote, if not that the judiciary as usual threw away the mandate of the people, he could have been the occupant of the Lion Building.
“The move is such a disappointment. Edoeoga has been around power since 1999 and it is very obvious that he cannot survive outside power”.
When reminded that the former governorship candidate said that he moved to PDP to assist the governor in developing the state he cut in, saying, “Dr. Mbah had already articulated what he will do for the state prior to the election. The people read his mandate but decided to vote for LP. So the only thing Edeoga will contribute in Mbah’s administration is to feed fat from the sweat of others. He is such a big disappointment:” he furiously stated.
Meanwhile, The National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Mr Obiora Ifoh refused to comment on the development when contacted,
“We are yet to receive his resignation letter” he replied in a terse WhatApp message.
Hon Edeoga since the return of democracy in 1999 was Adviser on Legislative Matters to the former deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Chairman, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State (1997-1998); Former Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State (2015 – 2022); Press Secretary to the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Special Assistant to former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on National Assembly Matters.