Political Earthquake in Abia as Over 200 APC, PDP Members Defect to Labour Party in Ohafia

In what is being described as a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, more than 200 former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have officially defected to the Labour Party (LP). The wave of defections, which occurred during a high-profile stakeholders meeting in Amaekpu Ohafia, signals a growing momentum for the Labour Party and the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

Key political figures who led the defection include former Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization, Mr. Kalu Paul; Ohafia PDP Woman Leader, Madam Ngozi Obuba; former PDP Director of Public Affairs, Oguelu Eke Anya (Ogutex); and former House of Assembly aspirant, Ukoha Anya Ojo, popularly known as “School Boy.” They were formally welcomed into the Labour Party fold by the acting state chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, and presented to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.

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Labour Party Celebrates Defection as Boost for 2027 Victory

In his address at the gathering, Deputy Governor Emetu praised the defectors for making what he described as a “bold and rightful decision” by joining a political movement rooted in good governance and people-oriented development. He assured the new entrants that their interests would be protected and conveyed their commitment to Governor Alex Otti.

“By your decamping today, we’re preparing for a cozy ride to victory in 2027, unlike in 2023 when the battle was fierce,” Emetu stated. “The transformational work Governor Otti is doing has not only elevated the standard of living in Abia but has made the Labour Party the natural choice for credible leadership.”

He reiterated the Labour Party’s values as a family-driven platform that prioritizes the welfare and progress of all members, urging the new members to participate actively in reshaping Abia’s political landscape.

Defectors Say PDP Is “Dead and Gone” in Abia

One of the most vocal defectors, Hon. Sunday Anya Ojo (School Boy), pulled no punches in his condemnation of the PDP, declaring the party “dead and gone” in Abia State. Anya Ojo, a grassroots political heavyweight from Isiama Ward, Elu Ohafia, and a two-time Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization to the immediate past governor, led hundreds of his loyal supporters into the Labour Party.

“PDP is in a sorry state right now. PDP is in the mortuary,” he said to a roaring crowd of supporters. “I’m now in LP with my entire political structure.”

Echoing his sentiments, former PDP Woman Leader Hon. Ngozi Obuba said the decision to join the LP was motivated by the remarkable strides made by Governor Otti in infrastructure and governance.

LP State Chairman Says Party Now the “Bride” of Abia Politics

Sir Emmanuel Otti, acting state chairman of the Labour Party, expressed delight at the influx of former APC and PDP members, noting that the LP has become the most attractive political platform in the state. He attributed the party’s growing popularity to Governor Otti’s effective leadership.

“The Labour Party is now the bride every politician wants to court. With the good governance record of Governor Otti, we believe 2027 will meet us without any strong opposition,” he said confidently.

PDP Responds: “They Were Never With Us”

Reacting to the defections, Abia State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, acknowledged the development but downplayed its impact. According to him, the individuals in question had long ceased to be active members of the PDP.

“I saw it on social media. Some names are APC and others claim to be PDP. These are individuals who, even during the 2023 elections, worked against the PDP. They’ve been with the LP in practice for some time,” Amah stated. “What is happening now is just a formal announcement of what had already occurred in reality.”

While the PDP may attempt to save face, the magnitude of defections and the political weight of those involved underscore a growing shift in the balance of power within Abia State.

As 2027 draws closer, the Labour Party appears to be building strong grassroots support in Ohafia and beyond — a development that could redefine the political dynamics of the state.