Governor Otti Not Defecting To APC, LP Insists

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Labour Party, LP, has debunked claims suggesting that the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, will be joining the All Progressive Congress APC.

The LP’s clarification is coming against the backdrop of growing speculations linking the postponement of the APC Congresses in  Abia State to the possible defection of the Governor to the ruling party at the centre.

The Source reports that the National leadership of the APC had earlier in the week announced the suspension of  its ongoing nationwide Ward Congresses in some States, including Abia and Adamawa, pending the resolution and harmonization of some contending issues.

The decision of the APC National leadership, has, however, been subjected to varying interpretations with not a few attributing the situation to the impending defection of the Governors of the affected states to the APC.

But in a statement from its spokesperson Mazi Chidiebere Okoro, the Abia LP described such insinuations suggesting that planned defection of Governor Otti was the reason for the postponement of Abia State APC  congresses as not only false,but misleading.

“We state, unequivocally, that these claims are entirely untrue and baseless. His Excellency remains a committed and bona-fide member of the Labour, on which platform he was elected, and under which he continues to faithfully serve the good people of Abia state”, Okoro stated .

The LP further described the speculations surrounding the Governor’s alleged planned defection as a ploy to distract his administration from its avowed mission of delivering on the people’s mandate.

The Abia state LP assured that Governor Otti remains focused and dedicated to the principles.of good governance, accountability and inclusive development.

“It is regrettable that such unfounded rumours are being propagated at a time when the administration is fully focused on consolidating developmental gains.

“The spread of unverified information serves only to distract from the serious work of governance ,and risks misleading the public.

“Governor Otti remains steadfast in his commitment to delivering tangible results and ensuring that Government policies and initiatives proceed without disruption or needles speculation.

“We call on members of the media,  political stakeholders, and the general public to verify information through credible and official sources before dissemination”, the LP added.