Several members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have defected to the Labour Party (LP), pledging support for Governor Alex Otti’s second-term bid.
The defectors include Hon. Lewis Obianyi, member representing Ukwa East State Constituency; Hon. Paul Taribo, former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Ossy Nwamuo, former commissioner and ex-Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman; and Lady Chinedu Brown, two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs, among other political figures.
The endorsement took place Thursday at Ohanku community, where leaders and residents gathered to declare support for Otti beyond party lines.
Welcoming them, Otti thanked the people for their confidence and addressed long-standing infrastructure concerns.
“If we could give power to Ukwa West and Etche, we have no choice but to give you power. Before the end of March, you will have electricity here,” he promised.
The governor was referring to the recent extension of electricity supply to Etche LGA in Rivers State that prompted wild celebration in the sisterly state.
He directed the Commissioner for Works to complete Ohanku Road and extend it into the community, while assuring residents that Obohia Road reconstruction would reach Obohia village.
He also pledged to pay attention to internal roads requested by Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees.
On boundary disputes in Akirika Obu, Otti said discussions with the Akwa Ibom governor were ongoing to ensure peace.
Otti Rejects Chieftaincy Title
He revealed that his administration had signed an agreement with an international firm to revive Abia Palm and had renovated 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East, with four already functional.
In a gesture that rattled his hosts, but drew praise from the wider citizenry, Gov Otti declined a chieftaincy title from the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council, saying honours should not come to those in office, but after their tenures.
He explained that he was not declining the award, but suspending it until after his time in office in 2031.
Wabara formally moved a motion endorsing Otti for a second term, seconded by Obianyi and unanimously affirmed by the crowd.
Leaders praised Otti for initiating the first general hospital in Ukwa East, rehabilitating schools, and improving healthcare. They urged him to prioritize electricity restoration, road expansion, and peace in Akirika Obu.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries, who offered prayers and presented gifts to the governor.
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