 gained fresh momentum in Abia State on Friday as 66 notable politicians and their supporters switched){kind=link}
The Labour Party (LP) gained fresh momentum in Abia State on Friday as 66 notable politicians and their supporters switched allegiance to the party in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The high-profile defections mark a major shift in an area long considered a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had dominated elections there from 1999 until 2023.
Among the new entrants were former Deputy Speaker Adinigwe Ugochukwu Nwoke, former Secretary to the State Government Ngozi Ulunwa, Ralph Egbu, Uche Nwaele, Ugoeze Ogbonna, Lucky Ejiogu, and several grassroots political figures from PDP, APGA, and other parties.
Governor Alex Otti, who personally welcomed the defectors at Obehie Central School, described the move as a sign of growing confidence in his administration.
“I’m excited to receive you all into the Labour Party family,” Otti said.
“If there are still people in doubt, this is the time to come on board. We’re moving forward, and nobody should be left behind.”
The governor reiterated that his government’s priority was restoring the dignity of the Abia people, promising that development projects would reach every corner of the state.
As part of these efforts, Otti announced plans to build a mini-stadium in Ukwa West and directed the council’s mayor to immediately survey and fence the designated site.
He also called on Obehie residents to support the establishment of a skills acquisition centre by Inner Galaxy Company, urging the community to avoid disputes over the location of the project.
Speaking at the event, Abia LP’s acting chairman, Nwaeze Oti, said the governor’s performance was drawing more leaders and grassroots supporters to the party.
“People are joining because they see that the government is working for them,” he noted.
“This is just the beginning of a broader movement across the state.”
The wave of defections signals a potential shift in Abia’s political landscape as the LP continues to gain strength in areas once dominated by rival parties.