Several All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from Ukwa East Local Government Area in Abia State have allegedly crossed over to the Labour Party (LP), pledging their support for Governor Alex Otti’s bid to secure a second term in office.
The defectors include the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo of the APC; former commissioner and ex-Ukwa East Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Ossy Nwamuo; and two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown, among other political heavyweights from the area.
The endorsement took place on Thursday at Ohanku community, where political leaders and residents gathered in what they described as a collective decision to support the governor beyond party lines.
Welcoming the defectors, Alex Otti expressed appreciation for their support and endorsement for the 2027 governorship election.
He used the occasion to address long-standing infrastructure concerns, particularly electricity, which residents said had eluded the entire Ndoki land for over two decades.
“If we could give power to not just Ukwa West, but Etche, which is not part of Abia State, we have no choice but to give you power,” Otti said.
“I understand you already have power drawn here, so you probably require transformers and a smart metering system. If that is what is required, you can take it from me that before the end of March, you will have power here.”
The governor directed the Commissioner for Works to complete the remaining section of Ohanku Road and extend it into the community.
He also assured residents that the reconstruction of Obohia Road, which he described as capital-intensive, would be extended to Obohia village in Ukwa East LGA. According to him, internal roads requested by Senator Adolphus Wabara would also receive attention.
On lingering boundary disputes, particularly in Akirika Obu, Otti disclosed that discussions had been held with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Addressing calls for the revival of Abia Palm, the governor revealed that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international firm engaged in palm production and processing.
Otti further disclosed that his government had completed the renovation and retrofitting of 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East, with four already functional and the remaining ones expected to become operational within 45 days.
He also directed the Mayor of Ukwa East to carry out palliative repairs on the roofs of school blocks at the event venue, promising a comprehensive rehabilitation later.
Otti Declines Chieftaincy Title
In a move that drew applause, Otti appealed to the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council to defer the conferment of a chieftaincy title on him until after his tenure in 2031.
He stated that he did not believe public office holders should receive honours while still in office.
However, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, alongside other leaders, including Lewis Obianyi, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche, and Lady Chinedu Brown, described the endorsement as a united decision of the Ukwa people.
They stressed that the move was not merely partisan but a collective resolution to support a governor they said had performed credibly.
Wabara formally moved a motion endorsing Otti for a second term, which was seconded by Hon. Lewis Obianyi and unanimously affirmed by the crowd.
The leaders commended the governor for flagging off the construction of the first general hospital in Ukwa East, rehabilitating schools, and renovating primary healthcare centres.
They, however, urged him to prioritise electricity restoration, the revitalisation of Abia Palm, extension of road projects from Aba to Ukwa East, and the restoration of peace in Akirika Obu.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, on behalf of the Asa community, highlighted what they described as Otti’s achievements in the area while drawing attention to other developmental challenges.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and other dignitaries were present at the event, as traditional rulers offered prayers for the governor and presented him with gifts.
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