Abia Governor Alex Otti Rejects Defection Rumors, Affirms Strong Ties With President Tinubu.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly dismissed speculations that he plans to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that he enjoys a close relationship with President Bola Tinubu without needing to switch parties. In an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Friday, Otti addressed recent political defections in neighboring Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and several Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers joined the APC to “connect Delta to Aso Rock.”
Otti, responding to questions about whether defecting to the APC was necessary to align with the federal government, confidently stated, “I am even closer to the centre than some of them.” He emphasized that political alignment does not always require joining the ruling party, drawing a parallel with President Tinubu’s own journey. “This is democracy,” Otti remarked. “President Tinubu held on to his Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, and Action Congress of Nigeria before forming the APC. If he had defected, he wouldn’t be president today. Sometimes, you have to stand for something.”
The governor’s comments come amid rumors of his potential defection, fueled by the recent wave of high-profile switches to the APC. However, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, stating, “Governor Otti is not decamping, and my party is not on shaky ground.” He highlighted the importance of standing firm in one’s political convictions, even as he acknowledged uncertainties surrounding the Labour Party’s leadership.
Addressing the ongoing leadership crisis within the LP, Otti noted that the tenure of National Chairman Julius Abure has expired, with a Caretaker Committee now overseeing the party’s affairs. When asked about his future with the LP, he candidly remarked, “I am not God. I cannot say if there’ll still be an LP tomorrow.” Despite the challenges, Otti’s focus remains on delivering governance to Abia State while maintaining strong ties with the federal government.
Otti’s stance underscores a broader message about political integrity and strategic alliances in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape. As he continues to navigate the complexities of governance and party politics, the governor remains steadfast in his commitment to Abia’s development and his principles, proving that proximity to power does not always require a change of party.
