A three-term member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Ohafia North Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has announced his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the Labour Party, declaring support for Governor Dr Alex Otti.
Rt. Hon. Obasi made the declaration while speaking with journalists after a close door meeting with the Governor Otti at Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The meeting was attended by several of his supporters and political bigwigs from Ohafia, as well as the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu.
Explaining his decision to join the Labour Party, the lawmaker said he had come to “identify” with the Governor because of the visible work his administration is carrying out across the State.
According to him, the ongoing development projects under the current administration have made it easier for politicians to campaign before their constituents.
“I officially came here to identify myself with the Governor of Abia State that I want to join him properly in Labour Party because of the works he is doing in Abia State.
“The good works of Governor Otti are visible across Abia State. Even in my constituency, people point to the roads and other projects.
“When you drive to Abiriba, people readily say it is the Governor of Abia State who did it. Such visible achievements naturally make it easier for those of us seeking the people’s mandate”, he said.
Obasi noted that Governor Otti’s projects extend beyond major towns into rural communities, adding that such efforts influenced his decision to align politically with the present administration.
The Lawmaker also cited internal challenges within the PDP as a major reason for his defection, saying the party no longer has a clear leadership direction.
He explained that he had remained patient for a long time but eventually decided to make a move and stressed that his decision was not influenced by pressure from any group but was a personal conviction.
“I’m leaving PDP and the reason why I’m leaving PDP is because we don’t have a leader any longer.
“Some of us in PDP, their legs are in ADC; some in APC, so what am I doing there? If you check in the Abia State House of Assembly, I’m one of the last men standing there in PDP.
“I have exercised patience every day and the party is going down. That is why I just made up my mind that I have to join the Labour Party”, he said.
Asked whether his supporters and political associates from Ohafia North would also defect with him, the lawmaker expressed optimism saying that the move would become evident in due course.
“When the time comes, people will see them. We own that constituency and I am a third-time House member. Before you become a third-time House member, you know what it takes.
“I am on ground. When you are talking about the grassroots, we are the grassroots and when we come into Labour Party, people will know that in that constituency, people are in the Labour Party”, he added.
