Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has formally received a number of prominent political figures from the Umunnato–Ngwa axis into the Labour Party, following their defection from the PDP, APC and ADC.
The defectors, including Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Elder Dr GOC Nnaji and other stakeholders, were welcomed on Saturday at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Addressing the new members, Governor Otti assured them of equal status within the party, stressing that there would be no discrimination.
“So as you are joining today, you have the same status with me. If you want to be Governor, then you can come and contest with me”, he stated.
The Governor used the occasion to elaborate on the ongoing airport project in Nsulu, describing it as more than a conventional aviation facility.
According to him, the project is conceived as an “airport city” that would stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
“Let me thank all our brothers and sisters for their support. Particularly the genuine people who have supported our decision to cite an airport in this community.
“Because it is a city, there are so many things that will come with it. If you are following, you will understand that the Nigerian Air Force has already taken 100 hectares of land to build their facility here.
“A highly-rated hotel is going to be cited at the airport. This hotel is going to be managed internationally. Plazas, so many things are coming with airport city.
“So, if you didn’t understand it before, understand it, that we are not just putting an airport. It will come with a lot of things that will provide jobs for our people that will move the economy forward and give our people a new lease of life”, the Governor said.
He also acknowledged opposition from some members of the host community but attributed it to a lack of understanding of the project’s benefits.
“I am aware that some of your sons have been against citing the airport here. It is because they don’t understand. There is no way they would be against something that will lift this community.
“So, my message to you is that when you go back, those who are from this community. We are not interested in fighting with them, even though we will win them.
“Even if they go to international court of justice, we will still win them. Do you know why? The land belongs to the government and the person that has authority to take the land or give it is the government,” he added.
Earlier, the Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Nwaeze Otti, said the defectors were drawn from across the three local government areas of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma.
He noted that their decision to join the Labour party was informed by the Governor’s performance, adding that the present administration has placed Abia on a “developmental pedestal” and changed the narrative of governance.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor and host of the event, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described the mass defection as unprecedented, noting that the area had traditionally been a stronghold of opposition parties.
“These people from Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma coming together and to declare with one voice that they are supporting the Governor come 2027 is a demonstration of vote of confidence in his performance within the past close to three years now”, Ajagba said.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Elder Dr GOC Nnaji, a former PDP Chairman in Isiala Ngwa North, said the decision to defect was driven by the positive changes witnessed in the state.
“I want to assure you that we are doing what we do with all sincerity. As the immediate past PDP chairman of Isiala Ngwa North, it wasn’t a very easy decision to take.
“We will not disappoint you. We will complement your efforts. We will join all the old members of Labour Party to add value to the party.
“I want to assure you that 2027 is going to be a landslide victory for you. If your election ended two days after the one that happened in 2023, I want to assure you that by 2 p.m. February 2027, all of us will be coasting to the residence”, Dr Nnaji stated.
Also speaking, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe and Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka attributed their defection to what they described as the Governor’s exceptional performance, expressing confidence that he deserves re-election in 2027.
They maintained that the growing influx of stakeholders into the Labour Party was a reflection of the administration’s achievements, describing the forthcoming election as “a fight between light and darkness”, with “light” expected to prevail.
Other notable figures received at the event included Barr. Ekele Nwaohamuo, Dr J.C. Oduh, Barr. Andrew Ijere and Chief Chamberlin Onyenonwe, alongside hundreds of party supporters.
The ceremony was attended by the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other party stalwarts.
