Politics

PDP Lawmaker, YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate Dump Parties, Join Labour Party

Chima Anyaso, the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Abia State, has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP). In a show of support for Governor Alex Otti, he donated two branded coaster buses for the governor’s 2027 reelection campaign.

Joining him in the move to LP was Nnamdi Ibekwe, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Bende North constituency, along with his supporters, and Okey Ezeala of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They were formally welcomed into the party during the inauguration of the Bende Local Government chapter of the Abia Arise Movement, the governor’s political platform, held in Uzuakoli last Friday.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described the movement as more than a political vehicle, calling it a non-partisan initiative focused on grassroots mobilisation and leadership development. He said his administration had created new opportunities for personal growth and self-actualisation through heavy investment in infrastructure, social services, and other vital sectors.

“Our administration has shown that governance is about service, responding to public concerns, and deploying public funds to uplift the people,” Otti said. “We are deliberately investing in infrastructure that closes the gap between rural and urban communities and eliminates the push factors for rural-urban migration. The residents are happy not just because of handouts, but because they believe the government now consistently makes the right decisions.”

In his remarks, Anyaso praised the governor’s “purposeful and people-oriented leadership,” which he said had restored hope among the people. He declared his total support for Otti’s rebuilding agenda, announced his resignation from the YPP, and pledged his allegiance to the governor and the Abia Arise Movement.