A significant trend of political realignment is underway in Nigeria, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gaining new members from opposition parties. Notably, two prominent lawmakers from the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha and Senator Neda Imasuen, have recently announced their defections, citing various reasons for their move and highlighting a dynamic period in the nation's political landscape.

Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, who represents the Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency in Enugu State within the House of Representatives, officially transitioned from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress. The defection was formalized at a gathering in the Akama Oghe Field, Ezeagu Local Government, where he was presented with the APC's symbolic broom. According to a statement from his media office, this decision was not personal but "people-driven."

Explaining his move, Hon. Umeha stated his intention to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He credited the APC-led federal government with the ongoing infrastructure development projects in Enugu State and the broader Southeast zone. Umeha further emphasized that he consulted his constituents at the grassroots level, and their response was overwhelmingly in favor of joining the APC due to its perceived positive national contributions.

The defection event was substantial, with reports indicating that Rt. Hon. Dennis Oguerinwa, a former Federal lawmaker and the Labour Party's Enugu West Senatorial Candidate in the 2023 general election, along with over 10,000 former LP supporters, also followed Umeha to the APC. The official reception was conducted by the APC chairman in Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah. Leaders within the Enugu State APC interpret this mass defection as a sign of growing dissatisfaction with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s leadership in the state.

In a parallel development, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also declared his departure from the Labour Party to join the All Progressives Congress. The announcement was made in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. Senator Imasuen has indicated his formal defection will occur on June 12, coinciding with his second anniversary in office.

Senator Imasuen attributed his decision primarily to the internal crisis plaguing the Labour Party. He emphasized that this move was a strategic choice aimed at enabling him to contribute more effectively to national development, rather than being driven by personal gain. He reassured his supporters that the decision was well-considered and not an opportunistic one.

Highlighting his tenure, Senator Imasuen pointed to his achievements as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, where he oversaw the resolution of over 20 public petitions from across Nigeria. He also mentioned key legislative actions, such as sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Education in Abudu, and numerous constituency projects. These projects include vocational training schemes, agricultural support programs that reportedly boosted rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming yields in Edo South, scholarship provisions, and rural health initiatives for traditional birth attendants.

Furthermore, Senator Imasuen expressed his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s policies and called for improved cooperation from local governments to ensure the sustainability of development efforts throughout his constituency. His defection is seen as another instance in a growing number of political shifts as Nigeria moves towards future election cycles.

These defections are indicative of a broader trend where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's influence is reportedly attracting more opposition federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Beyond the LP, other parties are also affected; for instance, Hon. Festus Olarewaju Akingbaso, representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency of Ondo state, recently defected from the PDP to the APC. There are also reports of around 20 PDP and Youth Progressives Party (YPP) federal lawmakers considering joining Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who himself reportedly switched from the PDP to the APC.

The continued movement of lawmakers to the APC, particularly from significant opposition parties like the Labour Party and the PDP, signals a notable realignment within Nigeria's political structure. These shifts, attributed to factors such as internal party conflicts, alignment with the current administration's agenda, and perceived presidential influence, are likely to reshape the political dynamics and strengthen the position of the ruling party while posing challenges for the opposition.