Ex-APGA Governorship Candidate, Ufomba Defects to Labour Party

Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP).
Ufomba also collapsed his political structure, the Change Abia Organisation, into the Labour Party, bringing along his supporters across the state.
Speaking while receiving Chief Reagan Ufomba and his supporters on Wednesday at the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Secretariat, Okpuala Ngwa, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, described the development as a significant boost to the Labour Party and a strong endorsement of his administration’s transformation agenda.
Governor Otti said the Labour Party is founded on the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity for all members, irrespective of when they joined the party.
“The interesting thing about the Labour Party is that there is no discrimination. We do not have old and new members. The day you join, you begin to enjoy the same privileges as those of us who joined over four years ago,” Otti stated.
The Governor commended Chief Ufomba for his commitment to the development of Abia State and acknowledged his support for the administration’s reform-driven policies. He noted that Ufomba’s decision to join the Labour Party was a reflection of his belief in the government’s performance and its commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
Governor Otti also used the occasion to reassure Abians that the long-envisioned airport project in the state was steadily progressing, stating that residents would soon be flying into and out of the proposed Nsulu Airport.
He further disclosed that contracts for the construction of road infrastructure linking the airport to major parts of the state would soon be awarded.
According to the Governor, his administration dedicated its first year in office to addressing inherited challenges, stabilising critical sectors, and laying the foundation for sustainable development before embarking on major capital projects.
“We have just started the real work. Just like in construction, you first remove the bad soil before laying a solid foundation. We had to clear salary arrears, pensions, and other outstanding obligations before hitting the reset button and moving forward,” he said.
Governor Otti thanked Chief Ufomba and his wife for identifying with the Labour Party and assured them of equal rights, opportunities, and privileges within the party.
Earlier in his remarks, Chief Reagan Ufomba expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, the Labour Party leadership, and members of the party for warmly receiving him and his supporters. He described the occasion as a defining moment in his political journey and pledged his commitment to contributing to the continued growth and development of Abia State under the platform of the Labour Party.
Ufomba revealed that the Change Abia Organisation comprises 197 affiliate groups spread across the state, united by a common vision of promoting good governance, accountability, transparency, and sustainable development.
He explained that his decision to join the Labour Party was informed by the visible achievements of Governor Otti’s administration and the need to align with a political movement that prioritises the welfare, aspirations, and interests of the people.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe; and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa, commended Chief Ufomba for joining the Labour Party.
They described Governor Otti’s administration as evidence that effective governance is driven not by magic, but by vision, commitment, and purposeful leadership.
The speakers further noted that the people of Isiala Ngwa North are experiencing a responsive, people-centred, and accessible government unlike any witnessed since the return of democracy in 1999. They added that the growing influx of residents into the Labour Party through sustained grassroots mobilisation reflects increasing public confidence in the administration and its policies.
The event attracted top government officials, Labour Party leaders, community leaders, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and supporters from across the state, who gathered to witness the formal reception of Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba into the Labour Party.