NEWS
POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE IN ABIA AS GOV. ALEX OTTI RECEIVES MASSIVE DEFECTION OF OPPOSITION HEAVYWEIGHTS FROM UMUNNATO-NGWA AS LABOUR PARTY GAINS MOMENTUM AHEAD OF 2027
...as Gov. Otti Receives Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji and other Influential Political Actors Who Recently Resigned From The PDP, APC, and ADC.
In what observers have described as a major political realignment in Abia State, Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, formally welcomed a wave of high-profile defectors from opposition parties into the Labour Party, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape of the state.
The historic reception took place at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, drawing a large crowd of party faithfuls, stakeholders, and supporters from across the Umunnato-Ngwa axis, which comprises Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, and Isiala Ngwa South LGAs.
Among the prominent figures received into the Labour Party were Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji, alongside several other influential political actors who recently resigned from the PDP, APC, and ADC. Their defection marks a notable collapse of opposition structures in the area, long considered a stronghold of rival parties.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Otti reassured the new entrants of equal rights and opportunities within the Labour Party, emphasizing the party’s inclusive philosophy and democratic ethos.
“So, as you are joining today, you have the same status with me. If you want to be Governor, then you can come and contest with me,“ Governor Otti said.
Gov. Otti stated, reinforcing his stance that the Labour Party operates on fairness, equality, and internal democracy, values he noted clearly distinguish it from other political platforms.
Beyond the political significance of the event, Governor Otti used the opportunity to elaborate on his administration’s ambitious infrastructural vision, particularly the ongoing development in Nsulu.
He clarified that the project being undertaken is far more expansive than a conventional airport, describing it as a comprehensive “Airport City” designed to transform the economic fortunes of the region.
“Let me thank all our brothers and sisters for their support. Particularly, the genuine people who have supported our decision to site an Airport in this community.
“Because it is a City, there are so many things that will come with it. If you are following, you will understand that the Nigerian Air Force has already taken 100 hectares of land to build their facility here.
“A highly-rated hotel is going to be sited at the Airport. This hotel is going to be managed internationally. Plazas, so many things are coming with the Airport City.
“So, if you didn’t understand it before, understand it, that we are not just putting an Airport. It will come with a lot of things that will provide jobs for our people, move the economy forward, and give our people a new lease of life,“ he stated.
the Governor explained, painting a vivid picture of a future-driven development agenda anchored on job creation and economic expansion.
Addressing concerns and resistance from some members of the Nsulu community, Governor Otti acknowledged the dissent but attributed it to a lack of understanding of the project’s long-term benefits.
“I am aware that some of your sons have been against siting the Airport here. It is because they don’t understand.
“There is no way they would be against something that will lift this community.
“So, my message to you is that, when you go back, those who are from this community, we are not interested in fighting with them, even though we will win them,“ he said.
he stated, reaffirming the government’s resolve while maintaining a conciliatory tone.
Earlier, the Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Nweze Oti, highlighted that the defectors cut across the PDP, APC, and ADC, noting that their decision was driven by the Governor’s performance across multiple sectors.
“They saw your (Gov. Otti) works across all sectors and decided to come and join you,“ he said.
He further noted that the administration has repositioned Abia State on a trajectory of sustainable development, earning the trust and confidence of the people.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor and host of the event, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, described the mass defection as unprecedented in the political history of the Umunnato-Ngwa region.
“You will understand that this axis is a very big enclave of the PDP and the opposition elements and today, these people from Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South and Osisioma coming together to declare with one voice that they are supporting the Governor come 2027, is a demonstration of a vote of confidence in his performance within the past, close to 3 years now,“ he said, emphasizing the growing acceptance of the Governor’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji, a former PDP stalwart and pioneer party secretary in Isiala Ngwa North, expressed optimism and renewed commitment to the Labour Party.
“I want to assure you that we are doing what we do with all sincerity. As the immediate past PDP chairman of Isialangwa North. It wasn’t a very easy decision to take.
“We will not disappoint you. We will complement your efforts. We will join all the old members of the Labour Party to add value to the party.
“I want to assure you that 2027 is going to be a landslide victory for you. If your election ended two days after (in 2023), I want to assure you that by 2 p.m., February 2027, all of us will be coasting to your residence to celebrate,“ he said.
Dr. Nnaji declared, projecting strong confidence in the Governor’s re-election prospects.
In separate remarks, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe and Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka commended Governor Otti’s performance, insisting that his achievements in office have become a magnet attracting political stakeholders from across party lines.
They maintained that the 2027 election would represent a decisive contest between progress and regression, expressing confidence that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
The event also witnessed the presence and formal reception of several other notable political figures, including former Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Barr. Ekele Nwaohamuo, Dr. J.C. Oduh, Barr. Andrew Ijere, Chief Chamberlin Onyenonwe, among hundreds of stakeholders. They were received alongside key party leaders, including the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other prominent stalwarts.
Saturday’s development is widely seen as a strategic consolidation of Governor Otti’s political base, further strengthening the Labour Party’s foothold in Abia State as 
the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually begins.