T.J. Ehirim dumps Labour Party for NDC, declares interest at House of Representatives.
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A prominent Imo politician and founder of the Project T.J. Ehirim Foundation Worldwide, Chief Dr. Tobechukwu Justice Ehirim, has officially defected from the Labour Party to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and declared his intention to contest for the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Ehirim, popularly known as “IgirigiNdu Imo State,” made the announcement in a statement addressed to the people of Imo State and members of the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency.
According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with family members, political associates, supporters, and leaders across the four local government areas that make up the constituency.
The politician explained that although he had initially been pursuing the governorship ambition for Imo State, mounting pressure and appeals from constituents compelled him to redirect his focus toward representing the people at the National Assembly.
DrEhirim revealed that during a broadened constituency meeting held on April 22, 2026, in Owerri, leaders and stakeholders from the four local government areas unanimously urged him to step down from the governorship race and instead contest for the federal legislative seat to address what they described as years of neglect and inadequate representation in the constituency.
Dr. Ehirim said he accepted the call in obedience to the democratic will of the people, expressing confidence that he would provide effective representation and attract meaningful development to the constituency if elected.
He emphasized that his political movement, known as “The Emancipation Movement,” remains committed to fighting poverty, unemployment, marginalization, and poor leadership while promoting democratic and economic freedoms for the people.
Speaking on his defection to the NDC, Dr. Ehirim noted that the move was taken in the broader interest of the people and to strengthen the political movement ahead of future elections.
He maintained that despite leaving the Labour Party, his political ideology and vision remain aligned with those of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, whom he described as his political leader.
Dr. Ehirim also disclosed that he played a role in organizing the recently concluded NDC National Convention and expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and structure.
Calling on his supporters and members of the Project T.J. Ehirim Foundation Worldwide to join the NDC, he urged them to work collectively toward securing electoral victory and advancing the interests of the constituency and Nigeria at large.
Highly dependable sources told Umuaka Times that Ehirim further promised to unveil a comprehensive manifesto in due course and assured constituents of inclusive leadership, teamwork, and commitment to development.
The declaration is expected to reshape political alignments within the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
