Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Saturday formally received a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe, and several other prominent opposition figures into the Labour Party (LP).
The governor also welcomed former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Elder Dr. GOC Nnaji (immediate past PDP Chairman in Isiala Ngwa North and pioneer PDP secretary in the area in 1998), and other key stakeholders from the Umunnato-Ngwa political bloc.
The defectors, who crossed over from the PDP, All Progressives Congress (APC), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), hail from the three local government areas that make up the Umunnato-Ngwa axis — Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North, and Isiala Ngwa South.
The ceremony took place at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
Speaking while receiving the new members, Governor Otti assured them of equal treatment within the Labour Party, stating that no one would be discriminated against on account of their previous affiliation.
“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 said.
He added: “What distinguishes the Labour Party from other political parties is that once you become a member, you start enjoying the same privileges as others.”
The governor used the occasion to address the ongoing Nsulu Airport project, explaining that the initiative goes beyond a standard airport to an “Airport City” that will drive significant economic growth.
Otti thanked residents of the area for their support, noting that the project will include an international hotel, plazas, and other facilities, while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force has already acquired 100 hectares of land within the project site for its facility.
The governor acknowledged that some indigenes of Nsulu had initially opposed the siting of the airport in their community, attributing the resistance to a lack of understanding.
“I am aware that some of your sons have been against siting the airport here. It is because they don’t understand. There is no way they would be against something that will lift this community,” he said.
Otti stressed that the land belongs to the state government and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the project, which he believes will give the people “a new lease of life.”
Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Emmanuel Oti, said the defectors were attracted by the visible developmental strides recorded by Governor Otti across all sectors.
“They saw your works across all sectors and decided to come and join you,” Oti told the governor.
He noted that Abia State has witnessed a positive shift in governance under Otti’s leadership.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who hosted the event, described the mass defection as unprecedented, especially given that the area had long been considered a stronghold of the PDP and opposition elements.
“This is a demonstration of a vote of confidence in his performance within the past close to three years,” Ajagba said, adding that the stakeholders have declared support for Otti’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Elder GOC Nnaji expressed delight at joining the Labour Party due to the positive changes in the state. He assured the governor of their full commitment and predicted a landslide victory for Otti in 2027.
In separate remarks, Ncheta Omerekpe and Onyebuchi Ememanka praised Otti’s performance, stating that it continues to draw stakeholders from other parties to the Labour Party.
They described the 2027 election as a contest between light and darkness, predicting that light would ultimately prevail.
Other notable figures received into the party include former Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Barr. Ekele Nwaohamuo; Dr. J.C. Oduh; Barr. Andrew Ijere; and Chief Chamberlin Onyenonwe.
The event was witnessed by the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and other party leaders.