The lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Murphy Omoruyi, has defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crises and pressure from his constituents.
9news Nigeria reports that Omoruyi, who was the last remaining LP member in the Edo State caucus of the House of Representatives, announced his defection on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Benin City.
Explaining his decision, the lawmaker said his move was in line with the wishes of the people he represents, stressing that his primary loyalty remained with his constituents.
“I dumped the Labour Party in line with the demand of my constituents,” Omoruyi said.
He added that since his election into the National Assembly, he had remained committed to his constitutional duties of lawmaking and oversight, regardless of party challenges.
Omoruyi recalled that his unwavering support for the Labour Party earned him the nickname “The Last Man Standing,” a title he said reflected his loyalty and commitment to the party.
“My staunch support for the Labour Party earned me the ‘Last Man Standing’ today as evidence of my being a loyal and committed party man,” he said.
However, he noted that the deepening internal crisis within the party made his continued stay untenable.
“However, in spite of all efforts, the intractable crises rocking the Labour Party have made my continued stay in the party impossible,” he added.
The lawmaker disclosed that his resignation from the Labour Party was formally communicated before he joined the ADC-led coalition.
“I joined the new coalition of the African Democratic Congress sequel to my resignation from the Labour Party conveyed in a letter to my ward chairman, Ward 10, Egor Local Government Area, on December 30, 2025, which has since been accepted,” he explained.
Upon joining the ADC, Omoruyi pledged to work closely with party leaders and stakeholders to promote good governance.
“As I join the African Democratic Congress today, I pledge my full commitment to working with party leaders, coalition partners, and stakeholders to advance the cause of good governance and effective representation,” he said.
The Edo lawmaker also took a swipe at the current government, saying poor infrastructure and hardship were fueling anger among the people.
“Together, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard and respected,” Omoruyi stated.
Lamenting the condition of his constituency, he said, “Our constituents are crying. They are on our neck. There are no good roads. The current government made life difficult for our people.”
Omoruyi concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to his constituents, insisting that his defection was a strategic move to protect their interests.
“To my constituents, I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty to you. Your trust remains my guiding principle, and I assure you that this step is taken to serve your interests better and secure a brighter future for our constituency,” he said.
He added, “As a Representative of the people, I decided to pitch a tent with our people. They want to remove this government, and I have to join them to actualise the dream.”
