Political Shifts and Development Initiatives in Abia State
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has welcomed a significant number of political figures into the Labour Party, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape. Among those who joined were Ncheta Omerekpe, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Onyebuchi Ememanka, a former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. These individuals, along with other key opposition figures from the Umunnato-Ngwa political bloc, have left the PDP, APC, and ADC to join the Labour Party.
The induction ceremony took place on Saturday at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA). During the event, Governor Otti emphasized that all new members would be treated equally within the party. “So, as you are joining today, you have the same status as me. If you want to be governor, then you can come and contest with me,” he said. He also highlighted that the Labour Party distinguishes itself by offering equal privileges to all members.
Economic Development and Airport City Project
Otti also spoke about the ongoing development of the Nsulu International Airport, which he described as more than just an airport. “What is being built in Nsulu is not just an international airport but an Airport City,” he explained. The governor thanked the residents of Nsulu for their support in locating the project in their community. He mentioned that the Nigerian Air Force has already acquired 100 hectares of land for its facility, and an internationally managed hotel will be constructed at the airport.
“This hotel is going to be situated at the airport. This hotel is going to be managed internationally. Plazas—so many things are coming with the Airport City,” Otti added. He emphasized that the project would bring numerous benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards for the local population.
Despite some initial resistance from certain individuals in Nsulu, Otti assured the community that the government has the authority over the land. “There is no way they would be against something that will lift this community,” he said. His message was clear: the development is for the benefit of everyone involved.
Support from Labour Party Leadership
The acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Emmanuel Oti, noted that the defectors came from the PDP, APC, and ADC, spanning across the three LGAs known as Umunnato. “They saw your works across all sectors and decided to come and join you,” he stated. Oti praised Otti for placing Abia State on a pedestal of development, highlighting the positive changes under his leadership.
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the host and Chief of Staff to the Governor, described the political shift as unprecedented. “This axis is a very big enclave of the PDP and the opposition elements, and today, these people from Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma, coming together to declare with one voice that they are supporting the governor come 2027, is a demonstration of a vote of confidence in his performance within the past close to three years now,” he said.
Commitment from New Members
Elder GOC Nnaji, speaking on behalf of the new entrants into the Labour Party, expressed his satisfaction with the decision to align with Governor Otti. “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,” he said. Nnaji assured Otti of their commitment to ensuring his re-election in 2027.
Nnaji also pledged to work alongside existing Labour Party members 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 in 2023, I want to assure you that by 2 p.m. in February 2027, all of us will be coasting to your residence to celebrate,” he concluded.
Broad Support from Political Stakeholders
Other notable figures who officially joined the Labour Party included Barr. Ekele Nwaohamuo, Dr J.C. Oduh, Barr. Andrew Ijere, Chief Chamberlin Onyenonwe, and others. They were received by the governor in the presence of the Labour Party Acting National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other party stalwarts.
Omerkpe and Ememanka both expressed their belief that Otti has performed well and deserves re-election in 2027. They added that his performance continues to attract stakeholders from various parties to the Labour Party, describing the 2027 election as a contest between light and darkness, with light expected to prevail.
