The opposition in Abia State has continued to weaken ahead of the 2027 general elections as several prominent political figures have defected to the ruling Labour Party, citing the exceptional performance of Governor Alex Otti as their reason.
Among the notable defectors are the current member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lucky Johnson (PDP); his predecessor, Hon. Chukwudi Ogele; the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Onyekwere Akim Uche (OAU); former Commissioner for Sports, Henry Agbaeze (PDP); and Emmanuel Ibegbulam, among several others. The decampees, accompanied by their supporters, formally declared their switch during a grand reception held in honour of Governor Otti at Isuikwuato High School, Otankpa.
They explained that their decision was inspired by Governor Otti’s transformational governance and what they described as “undeniable laudable achievements across the state,” adding that they had lost hope in the state’s development under previous administrations until Otti came on board.
Addressing the massive crowd that gathered from various political backgrounds, Governor Otti praised the new Labour Party members for “acknowledging the truth and identifying with light.” He reaffirmed his commitment to good governance and promised that Abia would continue to witness further development in the coming months.
“Abia will not be used as an example of a backward state again. That era is gone,” Governor Otti declared.
As part of his ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and essential services, Governor Otti announced the approval of a major power infrastructure project for the Abia State University, Uturu. He said the project, an independent power plant, would address the decades-long electricity challenges faced by both the institution and its host communities.
“As part of the rehabilitation of Abia State University, I have approved that an independent power plant project be set up in Abia State University,” he stated.
“The independent power plant project would generate not less than 10 megawatts of electricity. So, the idea is that not just Abia State University will be served, Uturu town would also have power from the initiative.
“Those of you who have followed what is happening in this State will know that a few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law. So, we don’t need to go to anybody for approval to set up whether it is renewable energy or IPP—integrated power plant, stand-alone—and as soon as we have the approval of the House of Assembly, the members and leadership of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, would be put in place,” the Governor explained.
Governor Otti also addressed community requests, announcing that the Amibo–Acha road would be fixed, as it had been captured in the current budget. He further disclosed that the Eziama–Ndundu road would soon be flagged off for construction.
During the event, Hon. Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, commended Governor Otti for delivering democratic dividends to his constituents and for his developmental strides across the state. He pledged the continued support of his people for the administration’s vision.
The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, also hailed Governor Otti as a visionary leader and urged widespread support to ensure his re-election in 2027.
Hon. Lucky Johnson, the newly defected lawmaker, declared that Governor Otti had made Abians proud and that Isuikwuato had now fully aligned with the Labour Party.
“Governor Otti had made Abians proud through his achievements,” he said.
“With my entrance into the Labour Party alongside other stakeholders in Isuikwuato, all political parties in Isuikwuato have collapsed into the Labour Party. The 2027 governorship election would be decided by Isuikwuato in favour of Governor Otti.”
The event also featured commendations from the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna; the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Chinedu Ekeke; and the Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Commission, Uche Maduako. They highlighted the Governor’s record in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, saying he had exceeded expectations in less than two years.
Dr Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, described Governor Otti as “hardworking, diligent and progressive-minded,” and applauded his initiative to establish an independent power plant to serve ABSU and Uturu.
Similarly, in goodwill messages, key stakeholders including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ken Ahia; President General of Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru; and President General of Uturu Development Union, Dr. Chidi Mba, expressed support for the Governor’s second-term bid. They said Otti had demonstrated unmatched leadership and developmental capacity, even before road projects like the Nuanya Road were initiated.
They all agreed that Isuikwuato had adopted Governor Otti for re-election in 2027, noting that his achievements had already set him apart from his predecessors.
