The opposition camp in Abia State has further shrunk ahead of the 2027 elections, following the mass defection of key political figures from various parties to the ruling Labour Party in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti has approved the construction of an independent power plant at Abia State University, Uturu, to address the long-standing power challenges faced by the campus and surrounding communities.
Among the defectors were the current member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Lucky Johnson; his predecessor, Chukwudi Ogele; the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, Onyekwere Akim Uche; a former Commissioner for Sports, Henry Agbaeze; and Emma Ibegbulam, among many others.
The defectors, along with their supporters, stated that they chose to leave their former parties because Governor Otti had demonstrated impressive leadership through “undeniable laudable achievements across the state.”
They admitted they never believed Abia could experience such rapid improvement, prompting their decision to support the governor’s transformation agenda and state rebuilding efforts.
The mass defection took place during a reception for the governor at Isuikwuato High School, Otankpa on Friday.
Speaking at the event, which was well attended by people from various political backgrounds, Governor Otti commended the defectors for acknowledging the truth and choosing to stand with the light.
He assured the audience that Abia would witness further development in the coming months, reiterating that his mission was to deliver good governance to the people.
Otti thanked Abians for their continued support and promised not to let them down. He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Abia into a model state, declaring that the era of Abia being cited as a backward state was over.
Governor Otti also explained that the independent power plant at ABSU would permanently resolve power issues in that part of the state, which has endured decades of darkness.
He said the project would generate no fewer than 10 megawatts of electricity and serve not only ABSU but also the wider Uturu community.
“Those who have followed developments in this state know that a few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law,” he noted.
“We no longer need federal approval to set up power projects—whether renewable energy or independent power plants. Once the House of Assembly approves, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency will be inaugurated.”
The governor added that the days of darkness in Abia were over. He also confirmed that the Amibo–Acha Road, which had been requested by residents, would be rehabilitated as it was captured in the budget, while the Eziama–Ndundu Road would soon be flagged off for construction.
In his remarks, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, praised Governor Otti’s development strides and efforts to extend democracy dividends to Isuikwuato. He pledged the continued support of his constituents for the administration’s rescue mission.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described Governor Otti as a visionary leader and called for widespread support to ensure his re-election.
Also speaking, the member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Johnson, said: “Governor Otti has made Abians proud through his achievements.” He asserted that with his and other stakeholders’ defection to the Labour Party, all political parties in Isuikwuato had effectively collapsed into the Labour Party. He expressed confidence that the 2027 governorship election would be decided in Otti’s favour.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Abia State, Ikechukwu Uwanna; the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Chinedu Ekeke; and the Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Commission, Uche Maduako, all highlighted the governor’s successes in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.
They noted that Governor Otti’s achievements in less than two years were unsurprising and expressed certainty that his second term was assured.
Dr Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, described Otti as hardworking, diligent, and progressive.
She thanked him for the ongoing efforts to establish the independent power project that would benefit ABSU and the wider Uturu area.
In their goodwill messages, Isuikwuato stakeholders, including Mr Ken Ahia; President-General of the Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru; and President-General of the Uturu Development Union, Dr Chidi Mba, all praised the governor’s performance, stating that he had surpassed his predecessors.
They openly endorsed Governor Otti’s second-term bid, noting that Isuikwuato had adopted him even before he began constructing roads in the area, including the ongoing Nuanya Road reconstruction project.
