“I’m Still in Labour Party, Not Looking to Decamp” – Gov Alex Otti Dismisses Defection Rumours

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly denied rumours suggesting he is planning to leave the Labour Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or join any emerging political coalition. Speaking during a dinner in Umuahia on Tuesday, Otti made it clear that he remains committed to the party under which he was elected and has no interest in political realignment.

Amid ongoing defections to the APC and the rising momentum of a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, Otti addressed the speculation directly. “I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to decamp to,” he said.

He also distanced himself from any involvement in coalition talks. “A lot of people have been asking me, are you a member of the coalition? And my response is, have you seen my name? Have you seen me attending the coalition meeting?” Otti said. “We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. So, we are not attending any coalition meeting; I have not attended any, and nobody has invited me.”

The governor stressed his focus remains on delivering on his mandate in Abia, adding that political challenges are part of governance. “I am happy where I am. Yes, we had issues. If you don’t have issues, you are dead. So, you wake up and there is one problem or the other, you solve the problem. You don’t run away from a problem and pretend to have solved it,” he said.

Otti also used the occasion to dispel claims that his administration is relying on borrowing to fund state operations. He stated that Abia has not taken any new loans since he assumed office in May 2023.