Ex-Abia APGA Governorship Candidate Defects To LP

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has welcomed former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Reagan Ufomba, into the Labour Party, describing his decision to join the party as a significant development for both the party and the state’s ongoing transformation efforts.

Ufomba, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday at a gathering held at the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Secretariat in Okpuala Ngwa. He also announced the dissolution of his political movement, the Change Abia Organisation, into the Labour Party.

Speaking at the event, Otti said the Labour Party remains a platform that offers equal opportunities to all members regardless of when they joined.

“One thing that distinguishes the Labour Party is that everybody is treated equally. There is no segregation between old and new members.

“Once you become a member, you enjoy the same rights and privileges as every other person in the party,” the governor said.

He commended Ufomba for what he described as a commitment to the progress of Abia State and noted that the former APGA governorship candidate had consistently shown support for initiatives aimed at repositioning the state.

According to Otti, the decision by Ufomba and his supporters to join the Labour Party reflects growing confidence in the administration’s policies and developmental strides.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure projects across the state, including the proposed airport project at Nsulu.

He assured residents that efforts were progressing steadily and revealed that contracts for access roads connecting the airport to different parts of the state would soon be awarded.

“The airport project is no longer a dream. In the near future, Abians will be able to depart from and arrive in their own state through the Nsulu Airport,” he said.

Reflecting on the administration’s journey so far, Otti explained that the first phase of governance was dedicated to stabilising key sectors and addressing long-standing challenges inherited from previous administrations.

“Before laying a solid foundation, you must first clear away the weak structures. We had to resolve issues such as unpaid salaries, pensions and other obligations before embarking on the larger task of rebuilding the state,” he stated.

He assured Ufomba and members of his political structure that they would be fully integrated into the Labour Party and enjoy the same opportunities available to every member.

In his remarks, Ufomba described his move to the Labour Party as a carefully considered decision inspired by the visible changes taking place across Abia State.

He thanked Governor Otti, party leaders and members for the warm reception and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the party and the development of the state.

The former governorship candidate disclosed that the Change Abia Organisation, which has now been absorbed into the Labour Party, comprises 197 affiliate groups operating across the state.

He explained that the organisation was founded on the principles of good governance, accountability and sustainable development, adding that its members decided to align with the Labour Party because of its people-centred approach to governance.

“We have chosen to identify with a movement that is committed to improving the lives of the people and delivering measurable results,” Ufomba said.

Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, described Ufomba’s defection as a major boost for the Labour Party, attributing the party’s growing popularity to the performance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

“The government has proven that good governance does not require magic but commitment and visionary leadership,” he said.

Iheonunekwu expressed confidence that Ufomba’s entry into the party would further strengthen the Labour Party ahead of future elections.

Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa, described Ufomba’s defection as a welcome development.

They credited the growing support for the Labour Party across the state to the performance of the Otti administration, noting that residents were increasingly identifying with the party because of its governance style and development-oriented policies.

The event drew a large crowd of government officials, party faithful, traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the state who gathered to witness Ufomba’s formal entry into the Labour Party.