Abia State Government has denied widespread rumours alleging that Governor Alex Chioma Otti has defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued in Umuahia, the State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, dismissed the defection rumours as an attempt by political opponents to distract the governor from his ongoing development efforts. He called on members of the public to ignore what he termed baseless speculation with no connection to reality.
According to the commissioner, Governor Otti remains a loyal and active member of the Labour Party, the platform on which he was elected by the people of Abia State in 2023. He explained that the administration is fully focused on rebuilding infrastructure, implementing economic reforms, and delivering quality governance to the people.
The commissioner stressed that there is no truth in claims that Governor Otti has joined or is in discussions to join the APC. He said the rumour is nothing more than a desperate ploy to stir political confusion and undermine the progress being made by the current government.
The denial comes at a time of rising political activity across the country, with speculation about possible defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governor Otti, who has gained popularity for his reform-driven leadership, has become a key figure in the national political landscape.
Despite these distractions, the Abia State Government reaffirmed that the governor remains focused on delivering his mandate. Officials noted that his administration is not concerned with political gamesmanship but with measurable improvements in the lives of Abia residents.
Analysts believe that the defection rumour is part of a broader strategy to create instability in the Labour Party and slow its growing influence nationwide. However, the swift response from the Abia government has reassured the public and affirmed Governor Otti’s continued leadership under the Labour Party.
As the state continues on a path of transformation, the government says it will not be derailed by politically motivated misinformation or propaganda aimed at weakening its resolve to serve the people with integrity and vision.
