CALABAR, 31 December 2025 — Former Cross River State Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Comrade Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu, has formally resigned from the party and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as prolonged leadership failure, constitutional breaches, and alleged external interference aimed at destabilising the opposition.

Amawu made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing in Calabar, where he accused the Labour Party’s national leadership crisis of eroding public confidence and undermining the party’s founding ideals.

“This decision follows deep introspection, wide-ranging consultations, and a sincere evaluation of developments within the Labour Party at the national level, developments which have, regrettably, eroded its internal cohesion, weakened its moral authority, and diminished public confidence,” he said.

He alleged that the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Barrister Julius Abure had exceeded its constitutional tenure, a situation he said had plunged the party into “avoidable crises, unending legal disputes, and organisational paralysis.”

According to Amawu, the continued projection of what he termed an “expired leadership” had not only deepened internal divisions but also created fertile ground for external manipulation.

“More disturbing is the growing perception that this faction is being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of a calculated strategy to destabilise the Labour Party, weaken the opposition, and erode the confidence of Nigerians who once saw the LP as a credible alternative,” he alleged.

Amawu also expressed concern over the inability of the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, PhD-led NWC, which he said enjoyed wider legitimacy and goodwill, to decisively assert control of the party.

“At a time when Nigerians are confronted with severe economic hardship, widespread disillusionment, and political hopelessness, the Labour Party was expected to act swiftly and boldly to restore order and re-energise public trust. Regrettably, that critical opportunity has not been adequately maximised,” he stated.

Describing himself as a committed progressive, Amawu said he could no longer defend what he called “internal confusion, inertia, and contradictions” before Nigerians, particularly at a time when clarity and decisive leadership were urgently required.

He announced his decision to join the African Democratic Congress, which he described as a party offering,

“genuine hope, internal democracy, ideological clarity, and a credible avenue to continue the struggle for good governance, social justice, and accountable leadership.”

Reaffirming his political stance, Amawu declared his continued support for Mr Peter Obi, whom he described as a symbol of integrity and people-centred leadership.

“I unequivocally reaffirm my unwavering support for Mr Peter Obi, whose values of integrity, competence, and accountability continue to inspire millions of Nigerians,” he said, adding that his alignment with the ADC was anchored on the collective pursuit of a better and fairer Nigeria.

Despite his exit, Amawu said he harboured no bitterness towards the Labour Party, thanking it for the opportunity to serve and grow politically.

“I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the experiences gained. I genuinely wish the party all that it sincerely wishes for itself as it confronts and resolves its internal challenges,” he noted.

He emphasised that his defection was a principled decision rather than an act of desperation.

“This defection is not an act of desperation, but a decision guided by conscience, clarity, and conviction,” Amawu said.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to progressive politics and service to humanity, while offering prayers for Cross River State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A Better Nigeria Is Possible!”