The political landscape in Abia State is shifting ahead of the 2027 elections, following the mass defection of several prominent figures from various opposition parties to the ruling Labour Party.
Among the defectors are Hon. Lucky Johnson, the current member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency; his predecessor, Chukwudi Ogele; Action Alliance’s 2023 governorship candidate, Onyekwere Akim Uche; former Commissioner for Sports, Henry Agbaeze; and Emma Ibegbulam, among others.
The defectors cited Governor Alex Otti’s remarkable leadership and development strides as their reason for joining the Labour Party. They acknowledged that the state’s rapid progress under his administration surpassed their expectations.
The mass defection was formalized during a reception held in honor of Governor Otti at Isuikwuato High School, Otankpa. Addressing the crowd, the governor praised the new members for “choosing to stand with the light” and assured citizens of more development in the coming months.
Governor Otti also announced the approval of an independent power plant project at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu. The plant, which will generate at least 10 megawatts of electricity, is expected to address long-standing power issues in both the university and the surrounding Uturu community.
“We recently signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, giving us the power to initiate electricity projects without federal approval,” Otti said, emphasizing that the state now has autonomy over its power infrastructure.
The governor also confirmed that long-requested road projects, such as the Amibo–Acha Road and the Eziama–Ndundu Road, are either included in the state budget or set to be flagged off soon.
In his remarks, Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, applauded Otti’s efforts and pledged continued support. Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the governor as a visionary leader deserving of re-election.
Hon. Lucky Johnson noted that with the latest wave of defections, all major political groups in Isuikwuato had effectively merged into the Labour Party, and confidently predicted victory for Otti in 2027.
Other leaders, including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna; Mayor of Isuikwuato, Chinedu Ekeke; and Chairman of the House of Assembly Commission, Uche Maduako, highlighted achievements in education, infrastructure, and prompt salary payments as evidence of Otti’s transformational leadership.
Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, also praised the independent power plant initiative, noting its potential to transform the region.
Isuikwuato community leaders—including Mr. Ken Ahia, Chief Chidiebere Uguru (President-General, Isuikwuato Development Union), and Dr. Chidi Mba (President-General, Uturu Development Union)—lauded Governor Otti’s achievements, declaring their full support for his second-term bid and commending his commitment to rebuilding the state.