The Abia State Government has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that Governor Alex Otti is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a supposed meeting with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Governor Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the rumour as false and baseless, urging the public to disregard it.
“The claim that Governor Alex Otti met with Governor Hope Uzodimma to discuss a defection to the APC is completely unfounded. There is no truth whatsoever to it,” Ekeoma clarified.
He explained that following the National Economic Council meeting held on Thursday, April 24, Governor Otti, along with a few other governors, attended a private event — the birthday celebration of Uzodimma’s twin daughters — which had no political undertones.
Ekeoma attributed the speculation to Otti’s rising popularity and governance track record, noting that while it is natural for political calculations to swirl around him, any political decision affecting Abia people would always involve widespread consultations and be made in their best interest.
He stressed that Otti remains focused on governance, not politics, and has no plans to leave the Labour Party.
“Though political activities for 2027 are already brewing, Governor Otti believes it would be unfair to the people of Abia for politics to overshadow governance so soon into his administration. He remains fully committed to his current mandate and party,” the statement read.
Governor Otti continues to serve under the Labour Party, with no intentions to defect to the APC or any other political platform, Ekeoma concluded.
