By: Bayero Ade
The Labour Party has firmly rejected rumors that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, addressed speculations linking Otti and other first-term opposition governors, such as Peter Mba (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom) to potential defections. Ifoh stated that Governor Otti remains firmly committed to the Labour Party.
“The rumor is completely unfounded. Governor Otti has assured us that he is fully aligned with the Labour Party and has no intention of leaving ahead of 2027,” Ifoh stated.
While acknowledging that defections are not uncommon in politics, Ifoh stressed that these particular claims about Governor Otti are baseless.
He also referred to legal precedents on party defections, citing Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs such matters.
“Defections have occurred in the past, and the courts have consistently addressed them. However, the rumor about Governor Otti lacks any merit,” Ifoh clarified.
Reaffirming the Labour Party’s strong position, Ifoh expressed confidence in the party’s future, stating, “We are in a strong position, and our governor is fully with us. By 2027, we expect to have even more governors under the Labour Party’s banner.”
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