Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, and representative of Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, has broken his silence on why he recently resigned from the Labour Party and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In an exclusive interview, Obetta attributed his decision to the deep-rooted leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party at both the national and state levels. According to him, the party has been fragmented into several irreconcilable factions, making it difficult to focus on governance and service delivery.
“The leadership crisis in the Labour Party has become a serious distraction. With multiple factions — the Julius Abure group, the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, and the Alhaji Apapa faction — all laying claims to legitimacy, the party has turned into a house divided against itself,” Obetta lamented.
He further revealed that external forces are fueling the crisis, making it nearly impossible to resolve. “These external interests are bent on crippling the party, and I could not stand by and watch my constituents suffer because of these distractions,” he added.
In Enugu State, Obetta said the division was equally intense, with two rival factions led by Barrister Casmir Agbo and Hon. Kingsley Ugwu, respectively, further compounding the state chapter’s problems.
A Return with Purpose
Obetta emphasized that his return to the PDP was not just a political move but a strategic decision in the best interest of his constituents and personal mission of societal impact.
“My political mantra has always been to impact humanity and society positively. I left LP to realign with a platform that will allow me to focus on delivering on my promises. I found that platform in the PDP under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration,” he said.
He praised the PDP-led Enugu State Government for what he described as transformative and people-centered policies, particularly in education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“The Smart School initiative, construction of Type 3 health centres across wards, revival of the Presidential Hotel, launch of Enugu Air, and procurement of 200 CNG buses are all proof that this administration is serious about development. I want to align with this vision to ensure my constituency benefits,” he explained.
Synergy for Development and Security
Obetta noted that the state government’s developmental strides and security initiatives could be better harnessed through collaboration. He expressed concern over rising insecurity in agricultural communities like Ibagwa-Agu, where 15 people were reportedly kidnapped in April.
“I believe that by working closely with the state government, we can confront and curtail the security challenges threatening the livelihoods of our people, especially in farming communities,” he added.
Consultation and Support
Asked if he consulted with supporters before his defection, Obetta confirmed he held extensive meetings with party stakeholders at all levels.
“Most of them understood and followed me to PDP. Some were undecided, and others disagreed. But I remain optimistic that they’ll all eventually join us in the PDP,” he said.
He reiterated that his commitment to delivering on his legislative mandate remains unwavering, regardless of party lines.
“For me, party platforms are vehicles. If the vehicle breaks down, you change it and move on. What matters is getting to your destination — delivering good governance and impacting lives,” he stated.
Obetta also drew parallels with other politicians like Mr. Peter Obi and Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, who have switched parties in pursuit of greater impact and political alignment.
Looking Ahead
The lawmaker assured that his legacy projects, empowerment initiatives, and federal-level influence would now receive stronger support from the state government, allowing faster and broader delivery of benefits to his constituents.
“I don’t want to be remembered just for water boreholes or town halls. I want a legacy that will outlive generations. My alignment with a progressive administration will make that possible,” he concluded.
Comments