APC, PDP Leaders in Abia Declare Support for Otti’s Second Term

Political figures from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have joined the Labour Party and endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in 2027.

The defection was announced at an event in Ohanku community on Thursday, where several prominent stakeholders pledged support for the governor’s re-election bid.

Those who formally joined the Labour Party include the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Paul Taribo; former commissioner and former Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman, Ossy Nwamuo; and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chinedu Brown, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Otti welcomed the new members and thanked political leaders in the area for backing his administration. He assured residents that electricity would be restored to Ndoki land before the end of March 2026, ending more than two decades without stable power supply.

According to him, necessary equipment such as transformers and smart meters would be provided to reconnect the area to the grid.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Works to complete the remaining section of Ohanku Road and extend it into the community. He also said the reconstruction of Obohia Road would be extended to Obohia village and that internal roads would receive attention.

On the border dispute affecting Akirika Obu, Otti said discussions had been held with his counterpart in Akwa Ibom State to ensure lasting peace.

Responding to calls for the revival of Abia Palm, he disclosed that the state government had signed a memorandum of understanding with an international palm production company as part of efforts to restore operations.

He added that 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted, with four already operational and the remainder expected to become functional within 45 days.

The governor also directed the Mayor of Ukwa East to carry out temporary repairs on damaged school buildings at the event venue, pending full rehabilitation.

Otti declined a proposed chieftaincy title from the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council, asking that it be deferred until after his tenure in 2031. He said public office holders should not receive honours while in service.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara moved a motion endorsing the governor for a second term. The motion was seconded by Obianyi and affirmed by attendees.

Community leaders, including the Mayor of Ukwa East, Chibunna Akara, and traditional ruler Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, cited the commencement of the first general hospital in the area, school rehabilitation, and healthcare upgrades as reasons for their support. They also urged the governor to prioritise electricity restoration, road expansion, revival of Abia Palm, and resolution of the Akirika Obu dispute.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, and other government officials, alongside traditional rulers who offered prayers and presented gifts to the governor.