Defection Wave Hits Abia: Otti Welcomes PDP Stalwarts to Labour Party, Promises Equal Treatment

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday received some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isiala Ngwa South into the Labour Party (LP), assuring them of equal treatment and inclusion.

Leading the defectors were PDP leader in the area, Gershon Amuta, alongside Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa and hundreds of their supporters. The ceremony, which held at Isieketa in Isiala Ngwa South, drew a large crowd of party faithful.

Governor Otti, who personally handed over the LP flag to the new entrants, said the move was not a mere defection but “a family reunion.”

“This is not defection; it is the reception of our brothers and sisters, some of whom have always been with us even before now. We are glad to officially welcome them into the Labour Party,” Otti said.

The Governor reiterated that the LP operates on principles of fairness and inclusivity.

“In the Labour Party, everyone is equal, whether you joined 20 years ago or you are joining today. The day you join, you assume the same position of equality as everyone else,” he stressed.

Otti directed local government Mayors to integrate the new members fully into party structures.

“I don’t want to hear that anybody is discriminated against. I don’t want to hear that somebody was not well received,” he warned.

On infrastructure, the Governor announced that work would soon commence on the Okpualangwa General Hospital.

“In the next few days, you will see active work at the General Hospital in Okpualangwa. The project has been awarded to a world-class contractor and will be delivered within 6 to 9 months,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Ginger Onwusigwe, Hon. Dennis Chinwendu Rowland, former Deputy Governor Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, former SSG Dr. Emeh Okoro, and HRM Eze Nelson Nmeregwa.

The new LP members, among them Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, Hon. Barr. Remijus Nji, Edwin Ihejirika, Sir Patrick Njoku, and Lady Gloria Agomuo, hailed Otti’s performance in office as their reason for switching allegiance. They pledged total loyalty to his administration and vowed to support his re-election bid in 2027.

Senator Nwokocha and other stakeholders lauded Otti’s leadership style, saying his record of achievements is already consolidating LP’s strength ahead of the next general elections.