Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has strongly dismissed widespread rumors suggesting that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains firmly rooted in the Labour Party (LP).
In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor described the reports as “false, baseless, and unfounded.”
Ekeoma clarified that following the National Economic Council meeting held on April 24, Governor Otti attended a birthday event for Governor Hope Uzodinma’s twin daughters, stressing that it was purely a social gathering with no political undertones.
“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 stated.
He added that while Governor Otti’s performance and popularity have naturally drawn admiration and political speculation, any major political decisions would be taken in consultation with the people of Abia State and key allies.
Focus on Governance, Not Politics
Ekeoma emphasized that Governor Otti believes governance should remain the top priority, rather than being sidetracked by premature 2027 political speculations.
“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 reaffirmed.
He reiterated that Governor Otti remains a proud member of the Labour Party and has no intention of defecting to any other political platform.
This clarification comes amid political tremors caused by the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC earlier this week a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reacting to the recent defections, Chief Bode George, a PDP Board of Trustees member, described them as “familiar political episodes” unlikely to have a lasting impact. Similarly, former PDP presidential aspirant Dele Momodu warned that the trend could threaten Nigeria’s democratic balance by leading to a “democratic dictatorship.”
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule hinted that more defections to the APC could be imminent.
Despite these shifting dynamics, Governor Alex Otti’s reaffirmation offers some stability for the Labour Party, which continues to navigate internal leadership challenges as it prepares for the crucial 2027 general elections.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
