2023: Reps’ deputy minority leader denies leaving PDP

Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, has denied any link with the Labour Party, insisting he still remained a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The lawmaker who’s name was listed on the recently released compilation of verified candidates for the 2023 general election, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a candidate of the Labour Party for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency of Enugu State, also declared that he will not be contesting in the coming poll.

Okechukwu in a statement on Wednesday,said; “I wish to state that I will not be contesting as the candidate of the Labour Party or any other party in the said election. I remain a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Meanwhile, my position on this matter had since been conveyed to the National Chairman of the Labour Party in my  letter dated 19th July 2022.

“I deeply appreciate and can never take for granted the overwhelming goodwill of my leaders, constituents and their wish for me to be on the ballot in the 2023 general election.

“I very much understand the pains my decision is bound to cause them. However, I believe and wish to reassure them that as a constituent, I will continue to do my best and be of utmost service to them in or out of public office.

“While thanking them for their immense support and love through the years, I am supremely confident that God will remain the ultimate compass in our affairs”.