The lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, Mr Alex Ikwechegh, has officially defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Labour Party (LP).
Ikwechegh disclosed his decision on Tuesday during an interview with Journalists, shortly after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, where he received the Governor’s blessings.
“I have received my Labour Party Card as a new member of the party, and the Governor, being the leader of the Labour Party, we saw the imperativeness to come and see him and receive his blessings”, he said.
The Lawmaker, who cited his admiration for Governor Otti’s leadership style and performance as key factors in his decision, described the Governor as “an exceptional and result-oriented leader”.
He added that his political ideology aligns with the Governor’s and pointed to the visible transformation in Abia State as a motivating factor.
Ikwechegh also commended the Labour Party’s leadership under Sen. Nenadi Usman and Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, describing the LP as “the right platform for progressive-minded individuals”.
He dismissed reports linking him to the APC following a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, and clarified that he only attended an Iftar event hosted by the President.
“There has been speculations that after my meeting with the President that I joined the APC; this is not true. It so happened that we went to observe the Iftar with the President to wine and dine with him and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture.
“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters that have decided to join the APC or the City Boys group”, the Lawmaker said.
He urged Nigerians to see politics as service, not self-interest stressing that his move was guided by conscience and the desire to contribute to nation-building.
“Politics should focus on development and service to the people. Politics is about service. It is not about self. Political aggrandizement is not why we are here. We are here to serve the people”, Ikwuechegh said.
He encouraged citizens to register with the Labour Party, promising that the online registration link would soon be made available.
Also, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Leader of the Labour Party Caucus in the National Assembly, while welcoming Ikwechegh into the LP, said that the party was delighted to receive him as its newest member.
He disclosed that the Labour Party caucus in Abuja had earlier admitted Ikwechegh into its fold before the formal presentation to the Governor.
Onwusibe who described Ikwechegh’s defection as a significant gain for the party, expressed optimism that it would positively impact the 2027 general election.
He added that Ikwechegh was motivated by the performance of the Governor and the contributions of LP lawmakers from Abia in the National Assembly and expressed confidence that the party’s new entrance would also make meaningful contributions under the platform of the Labour Party.
