The leadership, stakeholders, and the entire structure of theNew Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Abia State has officially announced their decision to collapse into the ruling Labour Party.
Speaking during the formal reception of the defectors, the Governor of Abia State and leader of the Labour Party, Dr. Alex Otti, welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal rights within the party.
He emphasized that the Labour Party fosters an inclusive environment without discrimination against new entrants.
“We don’t discriminate in Labour Party just like we don’t discriminate in government , everybody is equal.
“That you are joining today doesn’t make you inferior to those that have been in the party before you, otherwise people like us could not have been able to fly the flag of the party. Labour party treats everybody equally”, Gov. Otti affirmed.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the NNPP, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, for his continued support to his administration.
He further reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of Abians, emphasizing that he is focused on addressing the hardships faced by citizens due to past maladministration.
The Governor also announced the commencement of payments for salary arrears amounting to almost 18 billion naira, owed some institutions previous administrations.
He explained that the arrears will be defrayed through the monthly release of 1.5 billion naira which started this month, noted that the payment will be completed within one year.
“We will remain focused , we will not be distracted. The important thing for us is the welfare of the people not welfare of big men, not welfare of politicians”, Otti stated.
In their separate speeches, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma and Acting State Chairman Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Oti praised Governor Alex Otti for his purposeful leadership which has made the Labour Party an ideal party for all and added that Abians now raise their shoulders high wherever they find themselves.
In their remarks, the 2023 Abia State Gubernatorial Candidate of the NNPP, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai and the state Coordinator of the party, Mr David Urum, said they came to formalized the decision to dissolve the NNPP’s structure into the Labour Party, and lauded Governor Otti for redefining governance in the state.
Dr. Ukpai emphasized who the strategic nature of their move said; “Governor Alex Otti understands governance and I have been following and supporting him but today, I have come to consolidate that support.
“We are more than excited in making this move. NNPP in Abia State has moved into Labour Party in Abia State.
“It is not an ordinary defection , it’s a move that is well calculated . We are convinced that it is the right thing to do, joining forces with Dr. Alex Otti to move Abia forward”.
The event, which featured the presentation of the Labour Party flag to the new members, drew government officials and NNPP candidates who had contested various positions in the 2023 general elections.
