By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – A major political realignment occurred in Abia State on Wednesday as former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, formally defected to the Labour Party (LP), bringing along his political structure, the Change Abia Organisation.
The development, which took place at the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Secretariat in Okpuala Ngwa, was witnessed by Governor Alex Otti, top government officials, Labour Party leaders, political stakeholders, and supporters from across the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA released on his X handle on Thursday.
Receiving Ufomba and his supporters into the Labour Party, Governor Otti described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party and a strong endorsement of his administration’s reform-driven agenda.
According to the governor, the Labour Party remains a platform built on fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all members, irrespective of when they joined the party.
“The interesting thing about the Labour Party is that there is no discrimination. We don’t have old and new members. The day you join, you begin to enjoy the same privileges as some of us that joined over four years ago,” Otti said.
The governor commended Ufomba for his commitment to the progress of Abia State, noting that the former governorship candidate had consistently demonstrated support for initiatives aimed at transforming the state. He said Ufomba’s decision to join the Labour Party was inspired by his conviction that the administration was delivering on its promises and making measurable impacts on the lives of residents.
Otti used the occasion to reassure Abians that plans to establish a functional airport in the state were advancing steadily. He disclosed that residents would soon be able to fly into and out of the proposed Nsulu Airport, adding that contracts for road infrastructure connecting the airport to major parts of the state would soon be awarded.
The governor explained that his administration spent its first year in office addressing inherited challenges, including salary arrears, pension liabilities, and other outstanding obligations, before embarking on major development projects.
“We have just started with the real work. Just like in construction, you first remove the bad soil before laying a solid foundation. We had to clear salary arrears, pensions and other outstanding obligations before hitting the reset button and moving forward,” he stated.
Welcoming the new entrants, Otti thanked Ufomba and his wife for identifying with the Labour Party and assured them of equal rights, privileges, and opportunities within the party.
In his remarks, Ufomba described the event as a defining moment in his political journey and expressed appreciation to Governor Otti, the Labour Party leadership, and party members for the warm reception accorded to him and his supporters.
He pledged his loyalty to the Labour Party and vowed to contribute actively to the continued development and progress of Abia State under the platform.
Ufomba revealed that the Change Abia Organisation comprises 197 affiliate groups spread across the state, all committed to promoting good governance, accountability, and sustainable development. He announced that the entire structure had now been collapsed into the Labour Party.
The former governorship candidate said his decision to join the Labour Party was motivated by the visible achievements of Governor Otti’s administration and the need to align with a political movement that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of the people.
Several stakeholders who spoke at the event welcomed Ufomba’s defection and described it as further evidence of the growing acceptance of the Labour Party across the state. Among them were the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe; and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa.
The speakers praised Governor Otti’s leadership style, saying the administration had demonstrated that effective governance requires commitment, vision, and accountability rather than political theatrics. They added that the increasing number of residents joining the Labour Party through grassroots mobilisation reflected growing public confidence in the government’s performance.
The event ended with renewed calls for political unity and support for the Labour Party administration, as party faithful and supporters celebrated what many described as a strategic political gain ahead of future electoral contests in Abia State.
