NEWS
Reagan Ufomba Dumps PDP, Collapses Change Abia Organisation Into Labour Party as Otti Hails Move as Major Political Boost
…as Gov. Otti says “We Don’t Have Old and New Members; The Day You Join, You Begin to Enjoy the Same Privileges”
The political landscape in Abia State witnessed a significant realignment on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and prominent PDP stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, officially defected to the Labour Party (LP), bringing along his political structure, the Change Abia Organisation, into the ruling party.
The historic reception ceremony, held at the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Secretariat in Okpuala Ngwa, attracted a large gathering of government officials, party faithful, community leaders, political stakeholders, and supporters from different parts of the state who came to witness the formal entry of Chief Ufomba and his supporters into the Labour Party fold.
Receiving the former governorship candidate and members of his political movement, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the development as a major boost to the Labour Party and the administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the state.
Governor Otti emphasized the inclusive nature of the Labour Party, noting that the party provides equal opportunities to all members regardless of when they joined.
“The interesting thing about Labour Party is that there is no discrimination.
“We don’t have old and new members. The day you join, you begin to enjoy the same privileges as some of us that joined over four years ago,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor commended Chief Reagan Ufomba for his dedication to the progress and development of Abia State, acknowledging his support for the government’s reform agenda. He noted that the decision by the former APGA governorship candidate to join the Labour Party was inspired by the conviction that the present administration is delivering on its promises and producing measurable results across the state.
Governor Otti also used the occasion to reassure Abians about the progress being made towards the realization of the proposed airport project at Nsulu. He disclosed that the dream of having a functional airport in the state is gradually becoming a reality and revealed that road infrastructure connecting the airport to key parts of Abia would soon be awarded for construction.
The Governor further reflected on the challenges his administration inherited upon assumption of office, explaining that the first year of his government was dedicated to addressing critical issues and rebuilding essential sectors before embarking on major developmental projects.
“We have just started with the real work. Just like in construction, you first remove the bad soil before laying a solid foundation.
”We had to clear salary arrears, pensions and other outstanding obligations before hitting the reset button and moving forward,” Governor Otti stated.
He expressed appreciation to Chief Reagan Ufomba and his wife for identifying with the Labour Party and assured them of equal rights, opportunities, and privileges within the party structure.
In his remarks, Chief Reagan Ufomba described his defection as a defining moment in his political career and expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, the Labour Party leadership, and party members for the warm reception accorded to him and his supporters.
He pledged unwavering commitment to the advancement of Abia State under the Labour Party platform and affirmed his readiness to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the state.
Chief Ufomba disclosed that the Change Abia Organisation consists of 197 affiliate groups spread across the state, all united by a common vision of promoting good governance, accountability, and sustainable development.
According to him, the decision to join the Labour Party was motivated by the visible achievements recorded by Governor Otti’s administration and the need to align with a political movement that places the welfare and aspirations of the people at the centre of governance.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (OCHAKA), the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Amb. Innocent Uruakpa.
The speakers commended Chief Reagan Ufomba for joining what they described as the “moving train” and maintained that Governor Alex Otti’s administration has demonstrated that effective governance is driven by commitment, vision, and purposeful leadership rather than political rhetoric.
They further noted that residents of Isiala Ngwa North are experiencing a responsive, people-centred, and accessible government unlike what has been witnessed since 1999. They attributed the continuous influx of new members into the Labour Party across communities to the growing confidence of the people in the administration and the success of ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The defection of Chief Reagan Ufomba, a respected political figure with an extensive grassroots network across Abia State, is widely regarded as a significant addition to the Labour Party’s growing political strength and could further consolidate support for Governor Alex Otti’s administration ahead of future political engagements in the state.