Anambra State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in last November’s election, George Moghalu, has called for a law that would strip state governors of their positions if they defect from the party under which they were elected. He argued that electoral mandates belong to the party, not the individual, and cannot be morally transferred without the consent of the people.
In an interview with Vanguard, Moghalu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warned that defections undermine democracy.
“Yes, there is nothing wrong with that. We are talking about being elected on a particular platform. The ballot paper does not bear the candidate’s name; it bears the party’s name. The people vote for the party, and it is not morally justifiable to take that mandate to another platform without their consent,” he said.
Moghalu emphasized that any change in political allegiance should be sanctioned through fresh elections. “The only way to get their consent is by throwing it back to the people. If they insist on the platform you leave, it becomes a matter of the party,” he added.
Addressing speculation about a possible move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s defection, Moghalu said he is still consulting widely before making any decision.
“I have a personal, very close relationship with His Excellency, Peter Obi. His decision to move to ADC is his own. As for me, I am consulting widely with my supporters and critical stakeholders. Once consultations are complete, I will make my next move public,” he said.
Moghalu has stressed that his future political steps will be made collectively with those who have been part of his political journey, signaling a cautious and strategic approach post-election.
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