Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has refuted claims that he is planning to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reports as “false, baseless, and unfounded.”
In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti clarified that he neither met with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State nor discussed any plans to join the APC.
“The report that His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, held a meeting with Governor Hope Uzodinma over his alleged planned defection to the APC is completely devoid of substance and should be disregarded,” Ekeoma said.
He explained that following the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday, 24 April, Governor Otti, alongside a few of his colleagues, had attended the birthday celebration of Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters – a purely social event unconnected to politics.
“It is natural for Governor Otti’s impressive performance, popularity and towering credentials as the Governor of Abia State to attract admiration and permutations from interested parties.
“However, Governor Otti’s political decisions, especially those that would have a huge impact and far-reaching consequences on Abians, would always be taken in conjunction with the majority of Abians and his allies,” the statement read.
Ekeoma stressed that any major political move by Governor Otti must be justified and demonstrably in the overriding interest of the Abia people.
He further noted that while political activities for 2027 appear to be gaining momentum, Governor Otti believes it would be unfair to the electorate if governance were to be overshadowed by premature political calculations.
“Governor Otti strongly holds the view that less than two years into his administration, it is governance — not politics — that should dominate discussions in Abia State,” Ekeoma stated.
Reaffirming the governor’s political stance, he added, “We wish to emphatically state that Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is not planning or discussing with anyone to defect to the APC or any other party, as falsely alleged.”
Defections, Shakeup
Governor Otti is currently the Labour Party’s only governor in Nigeria, after the party’s surge in the 2023 general elections, driven largely by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party is also facing internal leadership crises that are testing its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti’s rebuttal comes amid the political shake-up following the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; his deputy, Monday Onyeme; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; and several commissioners and political stakeholders to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development on Friday, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, dismissed the defections as a familiar political episode with little long-term impact.
The PDP Board of Trustees member expressed confidence that the PDP would “bounce back” after its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Dele Momodu, a former PDP presidential aspirant, described the wave of defections as a “game of survival driven by fear” and warned that it could lead to a “democratic dictatorship”.
According to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Oborevwori’s defection to the APC won’t be the last, as “more governors are expected to join the party.”
What you should know
Governor Alex Otti’s dismissal of rumors surrounding his defection to the APC highlights his commitment to governance and political stability in Abia State.
Otti, a key figure in the Labour Party, emerged as the party’s sole governor after the 2023 general elections, signaling the party’s rise in national relevance.
However, with internal leadership struggles within the Labour Party and heightened political tension nationwide, rumors of defection have grown.
Governor Otti’s response reinforces his focus on delivering on campaign promises, insisting that his loyalty remains with the Labour Party and his constituents.
His administration, still in its early phase, prioritizes developmental goals over political realignment, signaling a deliberate move to shield governance from the distractions of early politicking ahead of 2027.
The governor’s stance also sends a strong message that personal ambition will not override collective interest, especially at a time when defections are reshaping the country’s political landscape.
By standing firm, Otti positions himself as a leader committed to stability, accountability, and grassroots engagement, attributes that could play a pivotal role in defining his legacy.
Amidst shifting alliances, his decision to remain steadfast could influence the broader political conversation as Nigeria prepares for the next general election cycle.
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