Several prominent politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, have reportedly joined the Labour Party (LP), throwing their support behind Governor Alex Otti’s bid for a second term.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Among the defectors are Ukwa East State Constituency representative, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Abia State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Paul Taribo (APC); former commissioner and ex-Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Ossy Nwamuo; and two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown, alongside other influential political figures from the area.

The endorsement took place on Thursday in Ohanku community, where residents and local leaders described their decision as a collective, non-partisan support for the governor.

Welcoming the defectors, Governor Otti expressed gratitude for their backing ahead of the 2027 governorship election and addressed long-standing infrastructure concerns, particularly electricity, which residents said had eluded Ndoki land for over 20 years.

“If we could supply power to not just Ukwa West, but also Etche—which isn’t even part of Abia State—we have no choice but to give you power,” Otti stated. “I understand power lines are already in place here, so if transformers and smart meters are needed, I assure you they will be installed before the end of March.”

The governor instructed the Commissioner for Works to complete the remaining section of Ohanku Road and extend it into the community. He also confirmed that the ongoing reconstruction of Obohia Road would be extended to Obohia village, with other internal roads highlighted by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara set for development.

On boundary disputes, particularly in Akirika Obu, Otti revealed that discussions had been held with the Akwa Ibom State government to ensure lasting peace.

Regarding the revival of Abia Palm, the governor disclosed that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international palm production and processing firm.

Otti further announced that 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted, with four already operational and the remaining expected to be functional within 45 days. He also instructed the Ukwa East Mayor to carry out temporary repairs on school roofs at the event venue, promising full rehabilitation in the near future.

Otti Declines Chieftaincy Title

In a gesture that drew applause, Otti asked the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council to defer conferring a chieftaincy title on him until after his tenure ends in 2031, stating that public officeholders should not receive honours while in office.

Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, alongside other leaders including Lewis Obianyi, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche, and Lady Chinedu Brown, described the endorsement as a unified decision by the Ukwa people. They emphasized that it was not a partisan move but a collective resolution to support a governor they consider credible.

Wabara formally moved a motion endorsing Otti for a second term, seconded by Hon. Lewis Obianyi, and unanimously affirmed by attendees.

Leaders praised the governor for initiating the construction of the first general hospital in Ukwa East, rehabilitating schools, and renovating primary healthcare centres, while urging him to prioritise electricity restoration, the revival of Abia Palm, road extensions from Aba to Ukwa East, and peace in Akirika Obu.

The Mayor of Ukwa East, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, representing the Asa community, also highlighted Otti’s achievements and ongoing development challenges. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and other dignitaries attended the event, where traditional rulers prayed for the governor and presented gifts in his honour.