ABIA, Nigeria: The governor of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria, Alex Otti, has officially welcomed a group of former opposition politicians into the ruling Labour Party. The reception ceremony took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium located in the Isiala Ngwa North district.
The new members include Ncheta Omerekpe, a former governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Onyebuchi Ememanka, who previously served as the chief press secretary to former governor Okezie Ikpeazu. These politicians, alongside other figures from the Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, and Isiala Ngwa South districts, left the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Labour Party.
During the event, Governor Otti assured the new arrivals that they would face no discrimination within the party ranks.
“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,” Otti told the crowd.
“What distinguishes the Labour Party from other political parties is that once you become a member, you start enjoying the same privileges as others,” he added.
Okay News reports that the governor also took the opportunity to update the public on the Nsulu Airport City project, a major infrastructure initiative in the region. He thanked the community for their support and explained that the project is not just a transit hub but a developing economic zone. According to Otti, the Nigerian Air Force has already secured 100 hectares of land for a facility within the area. The site will also feature an internationally managed hotel and commercial plazas aimed at creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Addressing concerns from some residents, the governor clarified that the land is government property and emphasized his commitment to advancing the community.
Emmanuel Oti, the acting state chairman of the Labour Party, stated that the mass defection was inspired by the visible development in the state under the current administration. Caleb Ajagba, the chief of staff to the governor, described the shift in political loyalty from a traditional opposition stronghold as a massive vote of confidence ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, GOC Nnaji, a former local chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, pledged their full commitment to ensuring the governor is reelected when voters go to the polls in February 2027.
