Vanessa 
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has rejected reports suggesting he plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He called these claims “false, baseless, and unfounded.”
In a statement on Saturday, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that Governor Otti has not met with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. He also denied discussing any plans to join the APC.
Ekeoma said, “The claim that Governor Otti, OFR, met with Governor Uzodinma regarding his alleged defection to the APC is without merit. It should be disregarded.”
Governor Otti’s Political Stance
After the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday, April 24, Governor Otti, along with a few colleagues, attended Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters’ birthday. The event was purely social and unrelated to politics.
“It is natural for Governor Otti’s performance and popularity as Governor of Abia State to attract attention and speculation,” Ekeoma said. “However, Governor Otti will always make political decisions, especially those that affect Abians, in consultation with the majority of Abians and his allies.”
He also emphasized that any major political move by Governor Otti must align with the interests of the people of Abia.
Additionally, while political activities for 2027 are increasing, Governor Otti believes it would be unfair to the electorate if governance were overshadowed by early political calculations. “Governor Otti firmly believes that governance, not politics, should dominate discussions in Abia State, especially with less than two years left in his administration,” Ekeoma stated.
To reaffirm the governor’s political position, Ekeoma concluded, “Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party. He is not planning to defect to the APC or any other party, as falsely claimed.”
