Abia State Governor Alex Otti pledges to remain in the Labour Party, rejecting defection despite Peter Obi’s exit and political pressures

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared his intention to remain in the Labour Party, rejecting any plans to defect despite former presidential candidate Peter Obi announcing his exit.

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Otti made the announcement on Tuesday during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, emphasising his commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the party.

“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him. He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party,” Otti said.

The governor described the Labour Party as the platform that brought him to office, noting that his loyalty to it remains unwavering for now.

“That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party,” he added.

Otti also responded to calls from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he was not interested in political distractions.

He acknowledged Kalu’s recent charitable activities during the Christmas period, noting their alignment with his own appeals to assist the less privileged.

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The governor’s declaration signals continuity in his political path, reinforcing his resolve to strengthen the Labour Party in Abia State despite broader party shifts at the national level.