The Labour Party (LP) has denied rumors suggesting that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, dismissed the speculation, labeling it baseless and unfounded.
Recent reports had claimed that at least five first-term governors from opposition parties, including Governor Otti, were considering joining the ruling APC in preparation for the next election cycle. Others reportedly linked to the rumors include Governors Peter Mba of Enugu State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Ifoh, however, categorically rejected the notion of Otti defecting from the Labour Party. “It is just a rumor, and we hope it remains so. We are in constant contact with Gov. Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere ahead of 2027. We believe he will stay with us, despite the challenges we are working hard to resolve,” he stated.
While acknowledging that defections are a common occurrence in democratic systems, Ifoh emphasized that Governor Otti had no plans to leave the Labour Party. He also referenced legal rulings on defection cases, particularly under Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, which have addressed such issues in the past.
“If five governors are indeed considering defecting, it wouldn’t be a new occurrence, as such movements have happened in the past,” Ifoh added. He attributed the rumors to the difficulties opposition governors might face in managing their states.
Reaffirming the Labour Party’s unity and confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership, Ifoh expressed optimism about the party’s future. “Our governor is with us, and we are optimistic that by 2027, we will have even more governors in our fold,” he concluded.
For more updates, join our Chronicles Reporters WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J.