A former Anambra State lawmaker, Lawrence Ezeudu, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal party crises and poor leadership as his primary reasons for the move.
Ezeudu announced his decision to leave the ruling party during a ceremony attended by party officials and supporters in Anambra State, marking another significant defection in the state’s evolving political landscape.
The former legislator expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the deteriorating state of affairs within the APC’s Anambra chapter, pointing to ongoing internal disputes and leadership failures that he said have undermined the party’s ability to function effectively.
“After careful consideration and consultation with my supporters and political associates, I have decided to leave the APC and join the ADC. The internal crises and poor leadership in the APC have made it impossible for the party to serve the interests of the people of Anambra State,” Ezeudu stated.
He did not provide extensive details about the specific incidents or leadership issues that prompted his departure, though the APC in Anambra State has experienced well-documented factional disputes and disagreements over party structure and direction in recent years.
Ezeudu expressed optimism about his new political home, describing the ADC as a viable alternative with better internal democracy and a clearer vision for development. He pledged to work with party leaders to strengthen the ADC’s presence in Anambra State and position it as a credible option for voters.
“The ADC represents hope for those of us who believe in true democracy and good governance. I am confident that this platform will enable me to continue serving my constituents and contributing to the development of our state,” he added.
Representatives of the ADC welcomed Ezeudu into the party, describing his defection as a significant boost to their efforts to expand their base in Anambra State. Party officials expressed confidence that his experience and political network would strengthen the ADC ahead of future elections.
The defection adds to a series of political realignments in Anambra State, where politicians have been switching parties amid changing political dynamics and strategic calculations ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Political analysts note that such movements often reflect both genuine ideological concerns and strategic positioning as politicians assess their prospects within different party structures. The ability of the ADC to attract established political figures could signal growing dissatisfaction with the dominant parties or simply reflect individual political calculations.
The APC in Anambra State has not yet issued an official response to Ezeudu’s departure. However, party sources have previously dismissed defections as insignificant, maintaining that the ruling party remains strong at both state and national levels.
Ezeudu’s move comes at a time when Nigeria’s opposition parties are seeking to consolidate and attract credible candidates who can challenge the dominance of the APC and other major parties in various states.
The former lawmaker’s influence in his constituency and his ability to mobilize support will likely determine whether his defection has a meaningful impact on the political balance in Anambra State or remains largely symbolic.
As the 2027 election cycle gradually approaches, more political movements and realignments are expected across Nigerian states as politicians position themselves for maximum advantage.
