Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape, former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, and the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, held a closed-door meeting in Abuja over the weekend.
Igbokwe, who finished second in the 2023 PDP governorship primary, also recently met behind closed doors with the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure — a move that has sparked speculations about a potential defection from the PDP.
His growing engagements with high-profile political figures across party lines have further fueled rumours that he may be plotting an exit from the crisis-ridden PDP, which is still reeling from a wave of defections in the state.
Political observers say Igbokwe’s possible departure could further weaken the PDP’s position in Abia, as the party has already lost several influential figures, including Rt. Hon. Orji; former state PDP Chairman, Senator Emma Nwaka; former presidential aspirant, Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe; and numerous ex-commissioners and political appointees.
Despite the growing rumours, Igbokwe has remained tight-lipped about his next political move. When asked about the purpose of his recent meetings, he simply responded: “I’m still in PDP.”
