Former Deputy Governor Ude Okochukwu Joins Labour Party, Hails Otti’s Leadership
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially welcomed former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Okochukwu, into the Labour Party, describing the defection as a “bold and weighty political move.”
Okochukwu, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined the Labour Party with his political structure, the Abia Vision Rangers, alongside many PDP loyalists.
Otti Assures Fair Treatment
Speaking at the grand reception in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area, Governor Otti assured Okochukwu of equal opportunities within the party.
“This is a party that does not discriminate; there is no difference between him and some of us that joined earlier. As soon as you are a member of the party, you have equal rights and opportunities,” Otti said.
The Governor praised Okochukwu as a long-time ally who had always demonstrated fairness and respect, even while serving in the opposition. He further revealed that Okochukwu had privately pledged his support during the 2023 elections despite remaining in the PDP at the time.
Infrastructure Commitment
During the event, Governor Otti announced that the Itu Nkporo Road had been awarded for reconstruction, stressing that good roads are an entitlement for all Abians.
Okochukwu’s Defection Statement
In his remarks, Okochukwu explained that his decision to abandon the PDP was influenced by Governor Otti’s transformational leadership.
“I have been watching Governor Otti’s unprecedented reforms and people-focused development initiatives in less than two years in office, and I am impressed,” he said.
He lauded the Governor for prioritising infrastructure, particularly the long-neglected Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Ohafia road project. Okochukwu assured that his supporters would fully align with the Labour Party under Otti’s leadership.
“We are excited to join the Labour Party and work with Governor Otti to take Abia State to the next level,” he declared.
With this latest defection, political observers believe that the Labour Party’s influence in Abia State has been further strengthened.
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