The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has officially resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defected to the Labour Party (LP), citing “legal uncertainties” and instability within his former party.
In a statement released on Monday, the veteran lawmaker described his departure as a difficult but strategic necessity, pointing to the flurry of litigation and conflicting court judgments currently hounding the ADC.
“Given the uncertainties concerning the ADC with regard to multiple lawsuits and court judgments, I have today resigned from the party and joined the Labour Party, effective immediately,” Senator Abaribe stated.
The high-profile defection comes at a time of significant political realignment across the country. However, Abaribe was quick to clarify that his exit was not prompted by internal friction or personal disagreements with the party’s hierarchy.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members, whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy a close and solid relationship with,” he added, stressing that his decision was based purely on the need for political stability.
Abaribe, a former Minority Leader of the Senate and a heavyweight in Southeast politics, noted that leadership often requires making “tough decisions” during uncertain times. He expressed his profound appreciation to the members of the ADC for the support they provided during his tenure with the party.
Political analysts suggest that Abaribe’s return to the Labour Party—the party currently at the helm of affairs in his home state of Abia—will further consolidate the LP’s grip on the state and provide the Senator with a more stable platform ahead of future legislative cycles.
Another source states “the Senator is tired of moving around , election is close states he can’t be following Obi around anymore
