Gov Otti Denies Plans to Defect With Peter Obi, Says He Remains in Labour Party

Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has denied rumors that he could leave the Labour Party, saying he will stay in spite of reports that Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, intends to leave.

During his monthly media conference on Tuesday in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, Otti clarified that his decision to remain was motivated by a desire to assist in rebuilding and repositioning the Labour Party.

The governor disclosed that Obi had told him directly that he intended to leave the party. Otti emphasized that his own political path will be different, even though he did not disagree with Obi's choice.

"Recall that I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, hence I did not join the party alongside him. He has informed me that he will leaving the Labour Party. I bestowed my blessings upon him.
Otti revealed, "But I will stay in the Labour Party, and I informed him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party."

 

He further described the Labour Party as the platform that brought him into office, noting that his loyalty to the party remains intact.

“That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party,” he said.

Additionally, Otti answered recent requests to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) made by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The governor declared that he was not interested in becoming involved in political diversions.

He did, however, recognize Kalu's recent distribution of financial aid to Abia State's most disadvantaged citizens, pointing out that the act was consistent with his own Christmas season request for aid to the underprivileged.