The Labour Party has dismissed speculations suggesting that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is considering defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, addressed the rumors, which also implicated other first-term opposition governors, including Peter Mba (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom). Ifoh clarified that Governor Otti remains committed to the Labour Party.
He described the reports as baseless, stating, “The rumour is far from the truth. Governor Otti has assured us that he is fully with the Labour Party and has no plans to leave ahead of 2027.”
While acknowledging that defections are a common occurrence in democratic systems, Ifoh emphasized that such claims about Governor Otti lack credibility.
He also pointed to legal precedents regarding Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs party defection cases.
“Defections have happened in the past, and the courts have often provided interpretations on the matter. However, the rumour concerning Governor Otti has no substance,” he explained.
Ifoh expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s prospects, adding, “We are in good standing as a party, and our governor is firmly with us. By 2027, we anticipate having even more governors under the Labour Party.”
%20ahead%20of%20the%202027%20general%20elections.){kind=link}