Labour Party Dismisses Rumours of Governor Alex Otti’s Defection to APC

The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has refuted claims that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, addressed the issue in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, clarifying that the rumour is baseless.

Ifoh stated, “It is just a rumour, and we hope it remains so. We are in constant contact with our governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere ahead of 2027.” He further emphasized the party’s confidence in Otti’s continued support, despite ongoing challenges the party is working to address.

Reaffirming Governor Otti’s Commitment

Ifoh also acknowledged that political defections are common in democratic systems but stressed that Otti has no intentions of joining the APC. He noted, “The courts have often interpreted Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, and many defections have been challenged in court. So, if five governors are planning to defect, it won’t be anything new, as it has happened before.”

The LP spokesperson attributed the rumoured defection to challenges some opposition governors face in managing their states but assured that Otti remains committed to the party’s vision. “We are doing well in the Labour Party, and our governor is with us,” Ifoh concluded, expressing hope that more governors will join the Labour Party ranks by 2027.