Obasi, Abia Assembly Member Dumps PDP for Labour Party

Mandela Obasi, the lawmaker representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, has formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Labour Party (LP), the ruling party in the state.

Obasi made his decision public on Wednesday while speaking with journalists after a private meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, located in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

According to the legislator, his decision was motivated by his desire to fully align with the governor’s administration, which he praised for its developmental strides across the state.

“I officially came here to identify myself with the Governor of Abia and to join him properly in the Labour Party because of the good work he is doing in the state,” Obasi stated.

He noted that the projects executed by the state government have become visible across different parts of Abia, including his constituency. Obasi explained that the improvements, particularly in road infrastructure and other initiatives, have made it easier for public officials to interact with and gain the confidence of their constituents.

The lawmaker added that residents of Abiriba, his hometown, often point to the projects delivered by the current administration as evidence of the government’s efforts. He also emphasised that the governor’s development programmes extend beyond urban centres and reach rural communities as well.

Beyond governance issues, Obasi attributed his departure from the PDP to persistent internal disagreements within the party. He said the crisis had weakened the party’s leadership structure and direction in the state.

“I am leaving PDP because we no longer have a leader,” he said, adding that several members were already aligning themselves with other political platforms.

Obasi pointed out that only a few lawmakers in the Abia State House of Assembly still remain in the PDP. According to him, he had remained patient for some time but eventually concluded that the party was experiencing an irreversible decline.

Despite the move, the legislator expressed confidence in his political base, saying his supporters and allies within Ohafia North would eventually follow him to the Labour Party.

“We are on the ground at the grassroots, and when we move into the LP, people will see the difference,” he said.