The Abia State government has firmly debunked rumors suggesting that Governor Alex Otti held discussions with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Saturday, April 26, 2025, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Media and Publicity, the claim was described as “false, baseless, and unfounded” and urged the public to disregard it.
The statement clarified that on Thursday, April 24, 2025, following a National Economic Council meeting, Governor Otti and a few colleagues attended a social event—the birthday celebration of Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters. Ekeoma emphasized that this gathering was purely personal and had no political agenda.
Ekeoma acknowledged that Governor Otti’s impressive performance and growing popularity as Abia’s governor may spark speculation and political projections. However, he stressed that any significant political decisions, particularly those impacting Abians, would be made transparently in consultation with the majority of Abia residents and Otti’s allies. Such decisions, he added, must prioritize the overriding interests of the people of Abia.
The statement also addressed the rising political discussions around the 2027 elections, with Ekeoma noting that Otti believes it would be premature and unfair to let these distract from the current focus on good governance in Abia. He reaffirmed Otti’s commitment to the Labour Party, stating unequivocally, “Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is presently not planning or discussing with anyone to defect to the APC or any other party.”
This clarification aligns with sentiments expressed in posts on X, where users have shared Otti’s firm stance on remaining with the Labour Party, further reinforcing the government’s position against the defection rumors.
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