A member of the House of Representatives, Cyriacus Umeha, has blamed the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling party on a lack of leadership.
Umeha, representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, disclosed this, saying that opposition parties were experiencing a leadership crisis.
“Labour Party, which I belong to, is in crisis at both ward and national levels. The PDP and even NNPP are also facing leadership crises,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed the need for opposition parties to unite and speak with one voice, saying that only then would defections stop.
He emphasised that every politician was committed to working under a harmonised and united political party leadership.
According to him, the opposition lacks credible and united leadership, forcing members to seek stability in the ruling party.
Umeha regretted the leadership tussle within the Labour Party, saying it had caused divisions and weakened the party.
“The Labour Party was seen as a third force with great expectations from Nigerians. Unfortunately, it is now in crisis,” he said.
However, he reaffirmed his dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents through developmental projects.
He stated that he had provided water to rural communities and constructed rural roads to improve livelihoods.
Umeha also urged INEC to fulfil its duty of replacing vacant seats in the National Assembly without delay.
He criticised INEC’s failure to conduct elections within 90 days as required by the constitution, calling it unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy.
There has been a wave of defections in the National Assembly, particularly from opposition parties to the ruling party.