Abia State Governor Alex Otti has officially received the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, together with hundreds of his supporters into the Labour Party (LP). The reception took place on Saturday at Nkporo, in Ohafia Local Government Area.
Governor Otti disclosed that despite being in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ude Oko Chukwu privately supported his election campaign in 2023. He described Chukwu as a man of respect who maintained courtesy even as political opponents, and expressed joy at his bold decision to quit PDP and join the Labour Party.
“The 2023 election was different because it was about individuals, and I boldly say that throughout the campaigns and the elections, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu supported us fully. I am happy to welcome you into the Labour Party,” said Otti.
The governor assured the former deputy governor of fair treatment and equal opportunity within the party, emphasizing that there would be no discrimination.
Ude Oko Chukwu, in his acceptance speech, cited Governor Otti’s achievements in office as a motivation for his defection. He praised Otti’s efforts in reconstructing the neglected Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Ohafia road, which has greatly improved transportation in the area.
The entry of Ude Oko Chukwu and his supporters into the Labour Party signals a major political realignment in Abia State and is expected to strengthen Governor Otti’s position and broaden the Labour Party’s influence ahead of the upcoming elections.