NEWS
Reps Member, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh Holds Strategic Stakeholders Meeting in Aba, Seeks Full Integration into Labour Party and Abia Arise Structure, Declares Loyalty to Governor Alex Otti Amid Rising Political Realignments
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | March 10, 2026
The Member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Alex Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh, convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Aba as part of efforts to strengthen political unity and deepen collaboration within the Labour Party and the Abia Arise movement.
The meeting, which took place at his residence in GRA, Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, attracted a wide array of political stakeholders, including the Mayors of Aba North and South LGAs, Councillors, party leaders, executives of the Labour Party, coordinators of the Abia Arise structure, as well as appointees from both the state and local government levels.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ikwechegh explained that the meeting, though impromptu, became necessary as a platform for him to familiarise himself with members of what he described as his new political family in the Labour Party. He expressed appreciation to the leaders and stakeholders who honoured the invitation despite the short notice, describing the gathering as a familiarisation meeting.
He revealed that preparations for the meeting began barely two days earlier and commended party leaders and stakeholders who mobilized quickly to ensure a successful turnout.
According to him, the gathering symbolized the beginning of a stronger working relationship between himself and the Labour Party structure in Aba.
Ikwechegh noted that the meeting was essentially a family gathering following his recent decision to align with the Labour Party, explaining that his political association with the party predates his formal declaration. He recalled that in 2022 he and Hon. Destiny Nwagwu had travelled to Umuahia to obtain nomination forms, with plans for him to contest for the House of Representatives while Nwagwu would run for the House of Assembly.
Reflecting on the political journey that led to his eventual decision, the federal lawmaker said that despite various obstacles and political developments along the way, destiny had ultimately brought him back to what he described metaphorically as “Nineveh,” emphasizing that the process was guided by the will of God.
He also spoke extensively about the leadership of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, whom he praised for the remarkable transformation taking place across the state.
According to him, his admiration for Governor Otti did not begin because Dr. Otti became the governor or due to his perceived wealth, but because of the exceptional reforms and visible transformation that have occurred in Abia since 2023.
Ikwechegh noted that the impact of Governor Otti’s leadership is evident to everyone, stressing that the pace of development under the current administration has exceeded expectations.
He recalled that during the 2023 general elections, he contested the House of Representatives seat alongside his political associate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who is currently in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Ikwechegh, even political figures across party lines have continued to acknowledge and commend Governor Otti’s performance because the transformation in Abia is undeniable.
The federal lawmaker observed that many people never imagined that the scale of transformation currently being witnessed in the state could occur within such a short period, adding that the governor appears to be working with a strong sense of urgency to reposition Abia as a model state in Nigeria.
Because of this, he explained that his decision to align himself politically with the governor’s vision and the Labour Party was a deliberate and compelling choice.
Appealing to the leaders and stakeholders present, Ikwechegh asked to be accepted fully into the Labour Party family and the Abia Arise movement. He acknowledged the efforts that party leaders and grassroots mobilisers have made in building the party structure across the state and urged them to extend the same warmth and support they have shown to other leaders and elected officials to him.
He assured the gathering that he was joining the movement with sincerity of purpose and a genuine commitment to contribute to the growth of the party and the success of the administration.
Ikwechegh also warned of emerging political opposition forces, describing them as a coalition of experienced politicians determined to undermine the current government.
According to him, the group includes former governors, former senators, and even a current senator who understand the mechanics of electoral politics and could attempt to challenge the progress being made in the state.
He cautioned that the greatest mistake any politician can make is to underestimate a political opponent, stressing that the only way to overcome such opposition is through unity, strength, and collective commitment among party leaders and members.
Drawing a biblical analogy, Ikwechegh referenced the story of Christ calling Simon Peter to become a fisher of men, explaining that strong political parties must remain open to individuals willing to join and contribute positively. He stated that his decision to join the Labour Party aligns with that principle, noting that he was not coming alone but with a large number of supporters ready to strengthen the party’s grassroots influence.
He further pledged his loyalty to the Labour Party, the Abia Arise leadership structure, and most importantly to Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as the driving force behind the New Abia movement.
The lawmaker concluded by announcing that a larger stakeholders’ meeting would be convened within the week. According to him, a date will soon be fixed, in line with the directive of Governor Alex Otti, for his official unveiling within the party structure.
Adding to the discussions, a Commissioner in the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Destiny Akaraka Nwagwu, welcomed Ikwechegh into the Labour Party and recalled their political interactions dating back to the build-up to the 2023 elections.
He narrated how both of them once visited the governor’s office on Bank Road, Umuahia, to obtain nomination forms and how Ikwechegh had been a significant supporter of the movement even before formally joining the party.
Nwagwu revealed that during the 2023 election campaign, Ikwechegh assisted by providing about 28 youths who helped safeguard campaign billboards belonging to Governor Alex Otti across Aba at a time when opposition politics made the campaign environment extremely difficult.
According to him, although this was the first time he was making the revelation publicly, the support demonstrated Ikwechegh’s early commitment to the movement. He therefore expressed the belief that Ikwechegh’s formal entry into the Labour Party was divinely ordained and urged members to welcome him warmly.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obialor Anyanwu, affirmed that Ikwechegh is fully welcome in the Labour Party family.
The Mayor declared that the people of Abia have already made their choice regarding the leadership of Governor Alex Otti and insisted that the political direction of the state remains firmly aligned with the governor’s vision.
He stressed that the people of Abia have embraced the concept of the New Abia and have no intention of returning to the old order.
The State Chairman of the Abia Arise Political Structure, Mazi Nkem Okoro, also welcomed Ikwechegh and used the opportunity to educate attendees about the philosophy behind political participation.
Okoro explained that politics is not a fraudulent enterprise but rather an apprenticeship process that requires patience, dedication, and long-term commitment. He advised political actors not to expect immediate rewards upon entering politics but to understand that growth and dividends come gradually with consistent engagement.
He further clarified the relationship between Abia Arise and the Labour Party, stating that the two structures are complementary rather than separate entities.
According to him, Abia Arise functions as a catalyst for the Labour Party by mobilising grassroots support and filling organisational gaps whenever necessary.
He therefore welcomed Ikwechegh on behalf of both the Abia Arise political movement.
Also speaking, the Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Nwaeze Otti, reaffirmed that the gathering was strictly a stakeholders’ meeting and emphasised that the party remains open to individuals of integrity who share its democratic ideals.
He explained that the Labour Party does not close its doors to genuine individuals who are willing to support the developmental agenda currently being pursued by Governor Alex Otti in Abia State.
Several prominent political figures and stakeholders were present at the meeting, including the Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke; the Member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Akachukwu Stephen Ucheonye; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Chief Obioma Reuben Nwaogbe, PhD; and the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Arc. Uche Ukeje.
Also in attendance were the Labour Party chairmen for Aba North and Aba South, coordinators of the Abia Arise political structure for both local government areas, party executives, Abia Arise leaders, councillors, Chief Jerry Kalu (Oshimiri), and several stakeholders from across Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas.
The meeting was further attended by the chairman of Onyeocha N’Aba’s campaign team, Rotarian George Ezikpe Okiyi, who previously served as Director-General of the campaign organisation of the late Ossy Chinedu Prestige.
