Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Major chieftains of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, including Dr. Gershon Amuta, Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, and hundreds of their supporters, have defected to the ruling Labour Party (LP).
Receiving the new members at Isieketa, Isiala Ngwa South, Governor Alex Otti said the event should not be seen as a defection, but rather as a reception of brothers and sisters who had always been aligned with him.
Otti directed all Mayors to ensure proper integration of the new entrants into the party, stressing that no one should be discriminated against.
“This is not defection; it is a reception of our brothers, some of whom have been with us even before now, and we are glad to officially welcome them into the party,” Otti said.
“In the Labour Party, everyone is equal, whether you joined 20 years ago or today. The day you join the Labour Party, you assume equal status with everyone. I want you to feel free to attend all meetings because we do not discriminate.
“I am directing the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South to work with his colleagues to ensure that everyone is fully integrated. I don’t want to hear that anybody was discriminated against or not well received.”
The Governor also used the occasion to announce that work would soon commence at Okpualangwa General Hospital, which he said would be completed and delivered within six to nine months.
“In the next few days, you will see active work at the General Hospital in Okpualangwa. We have awarded it to a world-class contractor who has already mobilised to site. Within months, it will be delivered as a state-of-the-art facility,” he assured.
Otti further thanked the people for their continued support, pledging that his administration would keep working for their collective interest until the last day of his tenure.
In their remarks, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Ginger Onwusigwe, and Hon. Dennis Chinwendu Rowland applauded the Governor’s performance, expressing confidence that with the calibre of new members joining the party, his 2027 reelection was already guaranteed.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Nnadozie Nwogwugwu; and former Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Dannie Ubani, welcomed the defectors, describing their move as a political boost that had made Otti’s reelection “a walkover.”
Some of the new entrants, including Chief Chinagorom Nwankpa, Hon. Barr. Remijus Nji, Edwin Ihejirika, Sir Patrick Njoku, and Lady Gloria Agomuo, said they were attracted to the LP by the Governor’s achievements. They pledged their unwavering support for Otti’s administration and his reelection bid.
Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emeh Okoro.
