Commissioner Says Governor Remains Firmly in Labour Party, Focused on Delivering Good Governance
The Abia State government has debunked reports circulating on social media and some online platforms claiming that Governor Alex Chioma Otti has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, described the report as “a false and mischievous fabrication by desperate political propagandists” bent on distracting the government and misleading the public.
According to Kanu, the allegation of defection is entirely baseless, the handiwork of individuals unsettled by the Governor’s impressive performance in office and the growing acceptance of his administration across political divides.
“The publication making the rounds on social media alleging that Governor Alex Otti has left the Labour Party for the APC is false, unfounded, and should be disregarded by all right-thinking Abians,” the statement read. “It is nothing but a cheap and desperate attempt to distract the government, distort public perception, and sow seeds of confusion where none exists.”
Otti Remains Loyal to Labour Party
The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Otti remains a proud and committed member of the Labour Party — the platform that brought him to power through the overwhelming mandate of Abia people in the 2023 general election.
“Governor Otti remains a loyal member of the Labour Party. He has never contemplated defecting to any other political party,” Kanu affirmed. “His commitment is to the people of Abia State and to the principles of transparency, accountability, and service that define his administration.”
He added that the Governor’s focus has never been on political permutations or personal ambition but on rebuilding Abia, restoring public confidence in governance, and improving the lives of citizens through people-oriented policies.
Governor’s Priorities: Service Over Politics
Kanu recalled that only last week, during the October edition of the interactive programme ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians’, the Governor explicitly stated that his interest lies not in political maneuvering or defection but in selfless service to humanity and the transformation of Abia State.
“At that event, the Governor made it unequivocally clear that leadership, to him, is about making a lasting impact — not about political convenience or opportunism,” Kanu noted. “He reaffirmed his dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Abia, regardless of party affiliations.”
Government’s Record of Progress and Reform
The statement further highlighted the achievements of the Otti-led administration since assuming office, noting that such accomplishments have continued to unsettle opposition elements and detractors who are uncomfortable with the Governor’s reformist agenda.
“The Otti administration has pursued a clear and consistent vision anchored on transparency, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure renewal, economic growth, youth empowerment, and the restoration of public confidence in governance,” Kanu stated.
“These values are synonymous with the Labour Party’s founding ideals and represent the core of Governor Otti’s leadership philosophy — values he will never trade for any political expediency,” he added.
He listed several ongoing initiatives under the current administration, including the aggressive rehabilitation of roads across major towns, improved healthcare delivery, revitalisation of the education sector, and an ambitious drive to boost economic productivity through small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
According to the Commissioner, these achievements have earned Governor Otti broad-based respect and admiration beyond partisan lines, prompting opponents to resort to falsehoods and propaganda to undermine his credibility.
Opposition Accused of Spreading Fake News
The statement accused unnamed political actors of orchestrating the defection rumour to divert attention from the “monumental progress” being recorded in Abia State under Governor Otti’s leadership.
“It is obvious that some individuals and groups who have refused to come to terms with the new era of accountability in Abia are behind these malicious fabrications,” Kanu said. “Their aim is to distract the government and deceive unsuspecting members of the public with fake news.”
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be misled by false reports designed to stir unnecessary political tension.
“The people of Abia know their Governor and the values he represents. They should disregard this falsehood and focus on the remarkable transformation happening in the state,” he added.
Otti’s Vision for a ‘New Abia’
Reaffirming the Governor’s commitment to his mandate, Kanu reiterated that Otti’s administration is deeply focused on creating a new Abia built on truth, justice, equity, and sustainable development.
“Governor Otti’s mission remains clear — to rebuild Abia and make it a model of good governance in Nigeria,” the statement said. “His administration is people-driven and anchored on inclusivity, efficiency, and transparency.”
He explained that the Governor’s consistent reforms in governance have restored public trust, making Abians proud of their state once again.
“From the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions to the revitalisation of critical infrastructure and investment in youth and women empowerment, Governor Otti has demonstrated that government can indeed work for the people,” Kanu noted.
He added that under Otti’s leadership, Abia has begun attracting national and international recognition for prudent financial management, infrastructural renewal, and responsible governance.
Public Urged to Ignore Fake News
The Abia government therefore advised the public to treat the alleged defection story as “another cheap propaganda tool” and a failed attempt to distract attention from the administration’s achievements.
“The public is advised to ignore the falsehood and continue to support the Governor’s efforts to build a prosperous Abia,” Kanu said. “No amount of propaganda or misinformation will derail the focus of this administration.”
He emphasized that the government remains open and accountable to the people and will continue to engage transparently with citizens to sustain the momentum of development.
“Abians should be rest assured that Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains firmly committed to the Labour Party and to the principles of good governance that brought him to power,” he declared. “His loyalty is to the people of Abia, not to any political cartel or power brokers.”
Focus on 2027 and Political Stability
The Commissioner also dismissed suggestions that the alleged defection rumour might be tied to preparations for the 2027 general elections, describing such claims as “ridiculous and premature.”
“Governor Otti has repeatedly said that his focus is not on 2027 politics but on delivering on his promises to Abians,” Kanu explained. “Those who are already obsessed with 2027 should rather write their political wills, because Abia people will not return to the old order of waste and corruption.”
In conclusion, the Abia State government reaffirmed that Governor Alex Otti remains resolutely in the Labour Party and is fully committed to completing his mandate of rebuilding the state.
“We wish to assure all Abians that Governor Alex Chioma Otti remains resolute in his mission to continue building a new Abia where truth, justice, and equity prevail under the banner of the Labour Party,” the statement concluded.
The government urged the public and media organisations to verify information before publication and resist the temptation to spread unverified claims capable of destabilising the state.
As the Otti administration continues to implement its reform agenda, Abians are urged to remain united and focused on the collective goal of building a state that works for everyone.
