Enugu Senator, Osita Ngwu is facing mounting public backlash following his continued stay in the position of Senate Minority Whip despite his reported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Party officials in Ngwo Uno Ward, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, confirmed that Senator Ngwu has formally resigned his membership of the PDP. Sources within the APC also disclosed that he has completed his registration with the ruling party in his ward.
The Minority Whip position is traditionally reserved for lawmakers belonging to opposition parties. Critics argue that Senator Ngwu’s continued occupancy of the office contradicts established parliamentary convention and undermines the integrity of the Senate’s minority leadership structure.
Concerns have further intensified over claims that the senator has yet to officially announce his defection on the floor of the Senate. Observers believe this delay may be a strategic move to enable him to retain the Minority Whip position and enjoy its accompanying privileges.
A party source stated that by virtue of his resignation from the PDP and subsequent registration with the APC, Senator Ngwu no longer qualifies as a member of the opposition or the Senate Minority Caucus, describing his continued hold on the office as “highly irregular and improper.”
Confirming his defection in an interview, Senator Ngwu said, “Yes, I have moved to APC.”
Reacting to questions about aligning with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, the senator stated, “Why would I have any regrets? You follow a leader that is doing well.” On the 2027 election, he added, “I don’t think that is negotiable. The worst thing that can happen to us is not having Governor Mbah return for a second time.”
Following these developments, critics and political observers are calling on Senate leadership to act promptly to ensure that the Minority Whip position is occupied by a duly elected lawmaker from the opposition, in line with parliamentary tradition.
