The member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has formally defected to the Labour Party (LP) after resigning from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), marking a significant shift in the political configuration of Abia State.
Ikwechegh disclosed his defection on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with Governor Alex Otti at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
According to the federal lawmaker, the purpose of his visit was to formally notify the governor of his decision to join the Labour Party and to receive his blessings as the party’s national leader in the state.
“I visited the governor this evening to receive his blessings. As you may or may not know, I have received my Labour Party card as a new member of the party,” Ikwechegh stated.
He confirmed that he had resigned from APGA prior to joining the LP, thereby putting to rest weeks of speculation about his political future.
The lawmaker also addressed rumours linking him to the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly following his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Political observers had interpreted his presence at an event hosted by the President as a possible indication of his intention to join the ruling party.
However, Ikwechegh firmly dismissed such claims, clarifying that his visit to the President was solely to attend an Iftar dinner and should not be construed as a defection.
“There have been speculations that after I met with the President, I joined the APC. This is not true,” he said.
“We went to observe the Iftar with the President, and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture.”
While emphasising that he harbours no ill feelings toward individuals who have chosen to align with the APC or its support groups, he underscored that political decisions are often shaped by personal convictions and strategic interests.
“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters who have decided to join the APC or the City Boys group. What I would say is that politics is about interest. There could be a figure nine before you and a figure six in front of you; it all depends on your perspective,” Ikwechegh remarked, using a metaphor to illustrate the subjective nature of political alignment.
Explaining his decision to join the Labour Party, the lawmaker said he was inspired by Governor Otti’s leadership style and performance in office. He described the governor as a result-oriented administrator whose visible infrastructural and governance reforms influenced his choice.
According to Ikwechegh, his political ideology aligns closely with that of the governor, and he believes the Labour Party offers a credible platform for progressive-minded politicians seeking to reposition the state and country.
He also commended the party’s leadership structure, referencing Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha for their stewardship and commitment to strengthening the LP at the national level.
Highlighting the importance of opposition politics in a democratic system, Ikwechegh noted that Nigeria operates a multi-party framework in which alternative platforms play a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance.
He urged Abia residents and Nigerians at large to consider registering with the Labour Party, disclosing that arrangements were underway to make an online registration link available to facilitate broader participation.
Also present during the visit to Governor Otti was the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Leader of the Labour Party caucus in the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe.
Onwusibe confirmed that Ikwechegh had resigned from APGA the previous week before formally joining the Labour Party. He added that the LP caucus in Abuja had earlier received the Aba lawmaker before his official presentation to the governor in Abia State.
“As caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” Onwusibe said.
Describing the defection as a strategic gain for the party, the caucus leader expressed confidence that Ikwechegh’s entry into the LP would strengthen its legislative influence and boost its prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onwusibe attributed Ikwechegh’s decision to what he termed the visible achievements of Governor Otti and the contributions of Labour Party lawmakers from Abia in the National Assembly.
Drawing an analogy from sports, he likened the development to a football club signing a talented player to reinforce its squad.
“We are very happy that he is now in our family. This is one of the best signings the Labour Party has made, and it will manifest in the 2027 election,” he said.
He further noted that lawmakers such as Amobi Ogah and other LP representatives from Abia had demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in the National Assembly, creating a positive perception of the party’s legislative capacity.
According to him, Ikwechegh was persuaded that he would be more effective and aligned with his political aspirations within the Labour Party.
“So he feels he is better off in this family than where he was,” Onwusibe added.
Ikwechegh’s defection represents another notable realignment in Abia State politics and may have implications for party dynamics in the House of Representatives. As the 2027 elections gradually come into focus, such shifts are likely to shape coalition-building strategies and influence the balance of power at both state and federal levels.
For now, the Labour Party appears keen to capitalise on what it views as a high-profile addition, while Ikwechegh embarks on a new chapter under a platform he says better reflects his convictions and vision for governance.
