Otti Receives Defectors into Labour Party, Assures Equal Rights for New Members

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on Saturday formally received prominent political figures including Ncheta Omerekpe, Onyebuchi Ememanka, GOC Nnaji and other stakeholders into the Labour Party.

The event, which took place at the Nbawsi Mini Stadium in Isialangwa North Local Government Area, attracted defectors largely drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The new entrants, who are indigenes of Umunnato Ngwa comprising Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South LGAs, were officially welcomed into the ruling party in Abia State.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Otti cautioned against any form of discrimination within the party, stressing that all members—old or new—enjoy equal status and opportunities.

“So, 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,” he said, emphasizing internal democracy within the Labour Party.

He further explained that every member must be allowed to enjoy the full privileges of party membership regardless of when they joined.

On the ongoing Abia Airport project, the governor expressed appreciation to the host communities for their support, noting that the project would bring significant economic transformation to the area.

“Let me thank all our brothers and sisters for their support. Particularly, the genuine people who have supported our decision to site an Airport in this community,” Otti said.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force had already acquired 100 hectares of land for the development of its facility within the airport corridor, adding that a high-end hotel to be managed by international partners would also be sited in the area.

According to him, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods across the region.

Addressing concerns from some members of the community, Otti said opposition to the airport project stemmed from misunderstanding, insisting that no development-minded community would reject such an initiative.

Also speaking, the Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party, Emmanuel Oti, said the defectors came from the PDP, APC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cutting across the three LGAs of Umunnato.

He attributed their defection to the visible performance of the Otti administration, noting that the governor’s achievements across various sectors attracted them to the party.