Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting he plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the claims “false, baseless, and unfounded.”
In a statement on Saturday, Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the governor had no meeting with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma regarding any political realignment.
“The report alleging Governor Alex Otti’s meeting with Governor Hope Uzodinma over a planned defection to the APC is completely devoid of substance and should be disregarded,” Ekeoma said.
He explained that after attending the National Economic Council meeting on April 24, Governor Otti, along with a few other governors, was present at a private birthday celebration for Uzodinma’s twin daughters — a purely social gathering with no political undertones.
Ekeoma emphasized that while Otti’s achievements and rising popularity have naturally drawn political speculation, any significant political decision by the governor would be made transparently and in consultation with the people of Abia State.
“Governor Otti’s political decisions, especially those with far-reaching consequences for Abians, would always involve wide consultation,” he stated.
He also highlighted that with less than two years into Otti’s administration, the governor remains focused on governance rather than premature political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Governor Otti believes governance — not politics — should be the priority for Abia State at this stage,” Ekeoma concluded.
Reaffirming his stance, Ekeoma stressed, “Governor Otti remains a proud member of the Labour Party and has no plans to defect to the APC or any other party, contrary to the false reports circulating.”
