Ukwa East Lawmaker, Political Leaders Pitch Tent with Labour Party, Hail Otti’s Development Drive
A member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, on Saturday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP), citing what he described as Governor Alex Otti’s people-focused and results-oriented governance as the motivation for his decision.
Obianyi made the move in Umuahia during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti, where he formally presented himself alongside several political stakeholders from Ukwa East Local Government Area, explaining that their decision was driven by visible governance outcomes rather than party sentiment.
The lawmaker said the visit fulfilled an understanding reached with the governor in September last year, when he first indicated his intention to align with the Labour Party, noting that their formal declaration was scheduled ahead of a larger reception in Ukwa East.
According to Obianyi, the group was convinced by what it described as measurable progress under the current administration, stressing that governance performance, rather than political labels, informed their defection.
“People are seeing tangible developments. They are no longer seeing audio infrastructure. What they are now seeing are infrastructures that can stand the test of time.
“As of today, Your Excellency, you have laid a foundation that after 2031, whoever takes over from you will find it easier to take Ndi Abia to the next level.
“That is why I have come to follow you. We are not looking for a party to belong to; what we are looking for is good governance, and today you have provided leadership for us,” Obianyi said.
Receiving the defectors, Governor Otti welcomed Obianyi and the Ukwa East stakeholders into the Labour Party, assuring them that arrangements would soon be concluded for their official reception in the local government area. He emphasised that his administration’s political philosophy was rooted in collective responsibility to the state and the wellbeing of its citizens.
“The most important thing is that we belong to one political party called Abia State, and everything we do is to promote the welfare and happiness of our people,” Otti said.
The governor also used the occasion to provide updates on key infrastructure planned for Ukwa East, announcing that the state government-approved general hospital for the area would be completed within the year. He explained that initial delays were caused by challenges with the original project site, which was later found to be unsuitable.
“To the glory of God, an Ndoki son donated a large parcel of land, which was handed over to the contractor on Friday. I have given the contractor until the end of the year to deliver a state-of-the-art general hospital for our people,” Otti stated.
He added that construction would commence immediately and disclosed that the project could be officially flagged off during his anticipated visit to Ukwa East for the formal reception of the new Labour Party members.
Governor Otti also acknowledged the presentation of Akwete cloth by the delegation, noting that his administration, through the Office of the First Lady, had been actively promoting the indigenous fabric on international platforms, including the United Nations General Assembly. He pledged continued government support towards commercialising Akwete cloth to enhance its accessibility and affordability.
Earlier, the Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Chibunna Akara, while introducing the delegation, said the group was made up of stakeholders drawn from different opposition parties who had collectively resolved to join the Labour Party. He added that they were awaiting the governor’s confirmation of a date for their official reception in the council area.
Among those who defected alongside Obianyi are Hon. Paul Taribo, former Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly; Chief Bright Benson, former YPP House of Representatives candidate; Lady Chinedu Brown, a two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs; Hon. Hyacinte Iheanacho, PDP ward chairmen coordinator in Ukwa East; Prof. Kamalu of the University of Port Harcourt; Barr. Ben Ogbonna, a retired Superintendent of Police; Mrs Esther Bright, Women Traders in Politics coordinator; Chief Theresa Aja, PDP woman leader in Ukwa East; Elder Israel Bethel, former Special Adviser on Agriculture; and Dr Felix Idah Waboso, Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Ndoki clan.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, was also present at the meeting.
