Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has refuted rumors suggesting that he is planning to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor reiterated his loyalty to the LP, the party that helped him attain office, and assured the public that he has no intention of leaving it.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti categorically denied the claims that he had engaged in private discussions with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State about switching parties. He labeled the reports as false and unfounded, urging the public to disregard them.
Governor Otti emphasized that any political decision with significant implications for the people of Abia would involve careful consultation with the citizens. He also stressed that the focus should remain on governance rather than prematurely diving into the politics of the 2027 elections, which are still more than two years away.
In Ekeoma’s full statement released on Saturday, it read: “The rumor suggesting that Governor Otti had a meeting with Governor Uzodinma to discuss his alleged defection to the APC is entirely unfounded. It lacks any basis and should be dismissed.
“After the National Economic Council meeting on April 24, Governor Otti, alongside some colleagues, attended a personal event — the birthday celebration of Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters. This was purely a social event with no political agenda.
“Given Governor Otti’s record of strong performance and growing popularity, it is understandable that speculation about his political moves arises. However, any decision of such importance will always be made in consultation with the people of Abia and with their best interests in mind.
“Governor Otti firmly believes that while political activity is beginning to intensify, it would be premature and unfair to focus on the 2027 elections when the priority should be good governance for the people of Abia.
“To clarify once again, Governor Otti remains a loyal member of the Labour Party and has no plans to join the APC or any other political party.”
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