Abia State Governor Alex Otti has shut down rumors of his defection from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the newly formed opposition coalition. Speaking at a dinner in Umuahia, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, saying he is not interested in defecting to any other party.
The governor’s statement comes amid a wave of defections to the ruling APC and the rising momentum of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election. Otti, however, remained resolute in his commitment to delivering his mandates to the people of Abia State. “I will just spend a few minutes talking about what some members of the Global Economic Council have been asking me,” he said. “One of them is the report about five governors decamping to the APC. I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to decamp to.”
Otti also dismissed claims that he has been attending coalition meetings, saying, “Have you seen my name? Have you seen me attending the coalition meeting? We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us.” The governor expressed his satisfaction with his current position, adding that he is happy where he is and has no intention of running away from problems.
In addition to clarifying his position on defection, Otti also addressed concerns about the state’s finances. He denied claims that his administration has been borrowing to run Abia State, disclosing that the state has not taken any new loans since he assumed office in May 2023. This statement is expected to reassure Abians about the state’s financial management under Otti’s leadership.
The governor’s commitment to the Labour Party and his denial of defection rumors are likely to boost the party’s morale and strengthen its position in Abia State. Otti’s administration has been focused on delivering development projects and improving the lives of Abians, and his statement suggests that he will continue to prioritize these goals without being swayed by the lure of other parties.
