Big Wins for Otti as PDP, APC, ADC Chieftains Defect to LP
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially received key opposition political heavyweights from Umunnato-Ngwa—comprising Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas—into the Labour Party.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, and made available to journalists.
The heavyweight opposition politicians include Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji, and others who recently defected from the PDP, APC, and ADC to join the Labour Party.
Receiving the new members on Saturday at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Governor Otti assured them that no member of the party would face discrimination.
“So, as you are joining today, you have the same status as I do. If you want to be governor, you are free to contest with me,” he said.
According to Otti, what distinguishes the Labour Party from other political parties is that once you become a member, you enjoy equal privileges with others.
The governor further explained that what is being developed in Nsulu is not just an international airport, but an Airport City.
He thanked the people of the area for supporting the government’s decision to site the airport project in their community.
“Let me thank all our brothers and sisters for their support, particularly the genuine people who have backed our decision to site an airport in this community.
“Because it is a city, many developments will come with it. If you are following closely, you will understand that the Nigerian Air Force has already acquired 100 hectares of land to build their facility here.
“A highly rated hotel will be sited at the airport and managed internationally. Plazas and many other developments are coming with the Airport City.
“So, if you did not understand it before, understand now that we are not just building an airport. It will come with numerous opportunities that will provide jobs, boost the economy, and give our people a new lease of life,” Otti stated.
He acknowledged that some individuals from Nsulu are opposed to the project, attributing their stance to a lack of understanding.
“I am aware that some of your people are against siting the airport here. It is because they do not understand.
“There is no way they would oppose something that will uplift this community.
“My message to you is that when you return home, engage them. We are not interested in fighting them, even though we will overcome opposition,” he said.
Otti emphasized that the land belongs to the government, noting that the authority to allocate it rests with the governor.
The Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Nweze, noted that the defectors came from the PDP, APC, and ADC across the three LGAs known as Umunnato.
“They have seen your work across all sectors and decided to join you,” he said.
He added that Governor Otti has placed Abia State on a path of development, with a clear shift in governance under his leadership.
The host and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described the reception of the political heavyweights as unprecedented.
“This axis has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP and opposition elements. Today, people from Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, and Osisioma have come together to declare their support for the governor ahead of 2027. This is a strong vote of confidence in his performance over the past three years,” Ajagba stated.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji, pioneer PDP secretary in Isiala Ngwa North (1998) and immediate past PDP chairman of the LGA, said he was pleased to identify with the governor due to the positive changes in the state.
He thanked Governor Otti for accepting them into the Labour Party and pledged their commitment to his re-election in 2027.
“I want to assure you that our decision is sincere. As the immediate past PDP chairman of Isiala Ngwa North, it was not an easy decision to make.
“We will not disappoint you. We will complement your efforts and add value to the Labour Party.
“I assure you that 2027 will be a landslide victory. If the 2023 election took days to conclude, by 2 p.m. in February 2027, we will already be celebrating at your residence,” Nnaji stated.
Chief Ncheta Omerekpe and Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, in their remarks, stated that Governor Otti has performed exceptionally well and deserves re-election.
They noted that his performance continues to attract stakeholders from various parties to the Labour Party, describing the 2027 election as a contest between “light and darkness,” with “light prevailing.”
Former Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Barr. Ekele Nwaohamuo; Dr. J.C. Oduh; Barr. Andrew Ijere; Chief Chamberlin Onyenonwe; and hundreds of other political stakeholders were also formally received by the governor.
The event was attended by the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other party stalwarts.
