Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has formally received the leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Isiala Ngwa South, Dr Gershon Amuta, a PDP stalwart, Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, alongside hundreds of their supporters and other opposition heavyweights into the Labour Party (LP).
The event, which took place on Tuesday, 30th September, at Isieketa in Isiala Ngwa South, drew notable dignitaries, political leaders and party faithfuls.
Speaking while receiving the new entrants, Governor Otti clarified that the occasion was not a defection but rather a homecoming for his long-time associates and allies.
“This is not defection, it is reception of our brothers, who some of them had been with us even before now, and we are glad to officially welcome them into the party”, Otti said.
The Governor stressed that the Labour Party remains a platform of inclusivity and equality, assuring the new entrants that they would not face any form of discrimination.
“It is instructive to note that in the Labour Party, everyone is equal, whether you joined 20 years ago or you are joining today.
“The day you join the Labour Party, you assume a position of equality with everyone. I would also like to let them know that they should feel free to attend all the meetings. We do not discriminate”, he stated.
He directed the Mayors across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State to ensure seamless integration of the new members, and cautioned against any form of marginalization.
Otti while handling over the Labour Party flag to the new entrants
“I would like to use you (Isiala Ngwa South Mayor) to reach out to your brother mayors that are here, and also give you the assignment to ensure that everyone is properly integrated into the party.
“I don’t want to hear that anybody is discriminated against. I don’t want to hear that somebody was not well received,” the Governor warned.
Governor Otti used the occasion to announce that his administration had awarded the reconstruction of the Okpualangwa General Hospital to a reputable contractor, with work set to commence immediately.
“In the next few days, you will see active work at the General Hospital in Okpualangwa. We have awarded it to a world-class contractor, and they have mobilised and will start work very soon.
“Between 6 and 9 months, they will deliver a state-of-the-art General Hospital in Okpuala Ngwa”, he assured.
Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa
The Governor further promised that road infrastructure in the area would also receive attention and urged residents to continue supporting his administration.
In their separate remarks, prominent Labour Party leaders, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon Dennis Chinwendu Rowland, hailed the calibre of politicians joining the party, describing it as a strong signal that Otti’s re-election bid in 2027 was already secured.
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, and former Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Dannie Ubani, commended the move, insisting that it had made “the 2027 re-election a walkover for Governor Otti”.
Some of the news entrants including Dr Geshun Amuta appealed to the Governor and Labour Party leadership to accept the new members as equal partners, treat them with dignity, and provide them with the tools to contribute effectively to the Labour Party.
Dr Geshun Amuta
He assured that the defectors would work hard to dismantle what remains of PDP in the LGA and lighten the Governor’s electoral burden in 2027.
Also Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, explained that his decision to join the Labour Party was inspired by the developmental strides of the Otti administration and pledged his unwavering loyalty to the Governor and his second-term ambition.
The event was graced by the former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emeh Okoro, HRM Eze Nelson Nmeregwo, among other dignitaries.
