Governor Otti Shrugs Off Opposition Critics, Declares Focus on Mandate as PDP Lawmaker Joins Labour Party

 

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has taken a strong stance against what he described as the “noisy antics” of opposition parties in the state, asserting that their activities lack serious political intent. The Governor made this statement while playing host to Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, a serving member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Bende North constituency, who formally announced his defection from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).

During the courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti expressed his firm position on the growing criticisms from opposition elements, whom he accused of seeking relevance and recognition rather than demonstrating genuine commitment to political service or electoral victory. According to the Governor, many of these actors enter political contests not with the intention of winning, but to position themselves for future negotiations or to establish a name for themselves in the political landscape.

“Opposition is not our concern. What we see mostly is noise and posturing. Some individuals enter the race fully aware they won’t win. Their goal is to appear in the primaries, so their names are on record. It's about visibility and being noticed,” he remarked, exuding confidence and an unwavering focus on governance rather than political distractions.

He elaborated on what he perceives as the varied motivations behind such political behavior. “Some seek negotiations, others aim for long-term projection. You’ll find people who start making noise now, not for 2027, but with an eye on 2040, hoping they would be recognized by then. That’s the mindset – projecting a future ambition rather than acting in the present,” the Governor stated.

Otti emphasized that his administration is not driven by party politics but by a commitment to service delivery and responsible governance. He dismissed insinuations that Ibekwe was coerced or lured into the Labour Party, stressing that the defection was a personal decision rooted in shared ideals and a recognition of the state’s developmental progress under his leadership.

The Governor commended Ibekwe’s move, noting that his entry into the Labour Party reflects a broader validation of the government's performance and policies. “I did not reach out to him. He came here on his own volition. We do not run a government that pressures individuals into joining our party. Our performance speaks for us,” Otti said.

Hon. Ibekwe, on his part, attributed his decision to join the Labour Party to the transformational leadership style and visible achievements of the Otti-led administration. Speaking during the meeting, he described the Governor’s accomplishments as “unprecedented” and said he found inspiration in the purposeful governance he has witnessed since Otti assumed office.

“I didn’t come here under any form of duress or pressure. What drew me to the Labour Party is the Governor’s work. The achievements so far have not gone unnoticed, and I believe in the vision he is executing,” Ibekwe stated.

He further assured the Governor of his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the development of the state, promising to align with policies that serve the interests of the people. “I am here to be part of the team that’s making a difference, not just in Bende North, but across the state. I believe the Labour Party is the right platform for that mission,” he said.

Otti’s remarks come at a time when opposition parties in Abia are ramping up their rhetoric, presumably in preparation for future elections. However, the Governor’s posture suggests a leadership style that is more inclined toward results and less interested in political back-and-forth.

He reiterated his focus on governance, assuring residents of Abia that his administration remains steadfast in delivering on the promises made during the campaign. “While they continue with their noise, we are busy doing the job we were elected to do. That’s where our energy lies – not in verbal exchanges but in real progress,” he said.

The Governor’s comments underline his broader political philosophy, which places priority on merit, performance, and strategic planning over partisan politics and media theatrics. The defection of a serving lawmaker to his party adds a significant boost to the Labour Party’s profile in the state and signals a possible shift in the political dynamics as 2027 approaches.

Observers see Ibekwe’s move as a reflection of growing discontent within the PDP, and a broader appeal of Otti’s administration, particularly among politicians seeking platforms aligned with performance and accountability.

As political realignments begin to shape the terrain in Abia State, Governor Otti appears poised to leverage his administrative successes to build a coalition rooted in credibility rather than conventional political patronage.