đź“Ť Umuahia, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti has issued a strong rebuttal to widespread speculation about his alleged plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing the rumours as completely unfounded. In a detailed statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor categorically denied any intention to abandon the party under which he was elected, describing the reports as “baseless, politically motivated fabrications designed to distract from the state’s ongoing transformation.”
Otti’s clarification comes amid heightened political conjecture following his recent appearance at a private birthday celebration hosted by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma in Abuja. While opposition figures and social media commentators had spun the event into a narrative of an impending defection, Otti’s camp firmly stated that the gathering was strictly social and followed a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. “Governor Otti attended as a colleague and friend, not as a politician seeking new affiliations,” Ekeoma emphasized.
Key Points from the Statement:
- No Defection Plans
- Otti remains fully committed to the Labour Party, which he credited for his 2023 electoral victory.
- Any suggestion of a move to the APC or any other party was labeled “false and malicious.”
- Context Behind Uzodinma’s Birthday Attendance
- The governor’s presence was purely social, with no political undertones.
- The event took place after official NEC duties in Abuja, debunking claims of secret political negotiations.
- Focus on Governance, Not 2027 Politics
- Otti warned against premature electioneering, urging stakeholders to prioritize governance over partisan scheming.
- “Abians elected us to deliver results, not to engage in endless political maneuvering,” the statement read.
- Transparency in Decision-Making
- The governor assured that any major political decisions concerning Abia would be made openly, not in secrecy.
- “If there were ever to be a change in political direction, Abians would be the first to know.”
- Performance Attracting Speculation
- The administration’s reforms in infrastructure, civil service, and public finance have drawn admiration across party lines.
- Ekeoma noted that “success naturally invites both praise and unfounded rumours.”
Why This Matters:
- Labour Party’s Anchor: As one of the party’s few sitting governors, Otti’s stance is critical for LP’s stability.
- Opposition Dynamics:Â The denial halts speculation about a possible realignment with the APC ahead of 2027.
- Governance Focus: Reinforces Otti’s reputation as a leader more invested in development than political gamesmanship.
Public Reaction:
While supporters have applauded Otti’s firm response, political analysts suggest the rumours may persist given Nigeria’s fluid party allegiances. However, the governor’s track record in Abia—marked by road rehabilitations, worker welfare improvements, and fiscal reforms—has bolstered his credibility.
