70 Political Leaders Defect To Labour Party In Ukwa West, Declare Support For Governor Alex Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Friday, received no fewer than 70 prominent political stakeholders from different political parties, along with their supporters, into the Labour Party during a ceremony held at Obehe Central School, Ukwa West Local Government Area.

Welcoming the new members, Governor Otti urged them to remain steadfast in their political journey and assured them of fair and transparent leadership. He described the Labour Party as the moving train of progress, calling on others yet to join to do so without hesitation.

“I truly welcome our new joiners and their followers. If there are a few more people still doubting, please let them know that they need to board the train before it leaves the station,” the Governor said.

During the event, the Governor addressed concerns raised by the Mayor of Ukwa West over the dilapidated state of the Mini Stadium at Okeikpe. He announced that his administration had approved its resurvey, fencing, and full rehabilitation.

Governor Otti also intervened in the long-standing disagreement between Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited and the host community over the siting of a Skills Acquisition Centre. He appealed to the community to accept the company’s chosen location at Obehe, stressing that the project would serve the wider population.

“I do not want to hear any problem again. Please, get it done. And I would like to come and commission it as quickly as possible,” he stated.

Highlighting his administration’s priorities, Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the dignity of Abians through infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. He stressed that his government distributes the dividends of democracy equitably, regardless of political affiliation.

“The essence of governance is to deliver projects that touch the lives of the majority. When you see us building roads, schools, hospitals, and healthcare centers, it is all geared towards restoring the dignity of Abians. Elections have since been over, and our responsibility is to every citizen,” he declared.

In his remarks, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Joshua Onyeike, recalled that Ukwa land had faced decades of neglect under previous administrations. He praised Governor Otti for bringing visible development to the region, noting that the Labour Party has demonstrated genuine interest in the welfare of Ukwa people.

Among those who defected were the 2023 APGA House of Representatives candidate for Ukwa, Adinigwe Ugochukwu Nwoke; former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Ulunwa; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ralph Egbu; Uche Nwaele; and Ugoeze Young Ogbonna.

In their separate speeches, the defectors pledged their loyalty to Governor Otti and promised to work toward his re-election in 2027. They noted that although the Governor did not win Ukwa West in 2023, his popularity has since grown, making him the consensus candidate in the area.

Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Emmanuel Nweze Otti, also praised the Governor for staying true to his manifesto of rapid transformation. He noted that the Governor’s track record has made it easy for members of the opposition to align with Labour Party.