There are growing rumors about the defection of the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate during the 2023 general election back to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). These rumors continue to gain traction daily due to the strategic importance of such a move for any political aspirant ahead of 2027 in Enugu State.
Recall that a few months ago, some PDP leaders in the state visited him to persuade him to return to the party that shaped his political career. Whether that move was genuine or a calculated arrangement, it was undoubtedly strategic. At the time, the APC in the state was almost celebrating, believing they had successfully wooed him into their camp. This assumption was fueled by a series of pictures showing him with key APC leaders in the state, as well as reports of alleged meetings in Abuja, Enugu, and Lagos. However, for reasons still unknown, the anticipated deal fell through. Interestingly, while these negotiations were ongoing, PDP loyalists relentlessly attacked him. Yet, as soon as it became evident that he was heading back to PDP, the same people shamelessly reversed course and began singing his praises. That is how hypocritically sycophantic the Enugu political space can be.
Should Nwoke-Mgbuji decide to rejoin PDP, what does he stand to gain? Who stands to benefit more—PDP, Governor Mbah, or his supporters? This has been a subject of heated debate, with different factions trying to align the situation with their personal political interests to avoid being sidelined. The reality is that his best and most strategic political option at the moment is to return to PDP or wait for Peter Obi’s next move. Beyond these two options, neither APC nor remaining in the Labour Party appears viable. Both parties have yet to demonstrate the flexibility and willingness to accommodate political heavyweights who could strengthen their chances of securing power. Their reluctance to make necessary sacrifices for new entrants diminishes their appeal.
It is evident that he is returning home (PDP), where he will likely wield significant influence and work with his brother, Nwoke-Owo, who could even give him a senatorial ticket. Whether he will serve a single tenure or not after that is a story for another day because, with the way Nwoke-Owo likes power, going to the Senate is almost inevitable.
For the opposition, losing a strong figure like Nwoke-Mgbuji will be a huge blow. Labour Party, which has struggled to maintain political relevance beyond the Peter Obi wave of 2023, will be left with a leadership vacuum in Enugu, as their remaining leader with capacity, Rt. Hon. Denis Agbo, also has one foot in PDP. Without a clear successor to Nwoke-Mgbuji, coupled with the defection of some state and national assembly members of the party to PDP, Labour Party may find itself disorganized and unable to build on whatever momentum it gained in the last election. The APC, on the other hand, will likely continue its search for viable political leaders, but their inability to close the deal with Nwoke-Mgbuji is a clear sign of their structural weaknesses in the state.
However, if Obi decides to explore alliances with another party that is not PDP, Nwoke-Mgbuji’s move may hit a brick wall. This is why many of his supporters are watching closely and praying that he waits a little longer to see where Obi is heading, because whatever direction Obi takes will inevitably shape the political landscape for 2027, and Nwoke “Helicopter” Amagunze could be resurrected.
Ultimately, Nwoke-Mgbuji’s decision is not just about his personal political survival; it is a reflection of the broader instability within the opposition. If Labour Party and APC want to be taken seriously in Enugu, they must prove that they can provide a strong alternative to PDP, not just rely on mere lies and propaganda.
By Sebastine chukwuebuka Okafor Bookastro.
