The leadership of the Labour Party has dismissed rumours suggesting that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stated that these claims are unfounded.
Rumours had circulated that Governor Otti, along with four other first-term opposition governors—Peter Mba of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom—were considering joining the APC. However, Ifoh reassured the public that Otti has no intention of leaving the Labour Party.
Ifoh called the rumours “far from the truth” and emphasized that the party remains in regular contact with Governor Otti, who has firmly stated that he is committed to the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging that defections are not uncommon in democratic systems, Ifoh insisted that there is no substance to the claims regarding Otti’s potential departure.
He also referenced legal precedents, noting that court rulings on Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution have often addressed issues related to political defection.
“If five governors are planning to defect, it’s not a new thing, as it has happened before,” Ifoh added.
He concluded by reaffirming that the Labour Party remains united, with Governor Otti firmly on their side, and expressed confidence that the party will gain more governors by 2027.
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