The Labour Party (LP) has debunked rumours suggesting Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed the claims as baseless.
The rumours, which also named four other first-term opposition governors—Peter Mba (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom)—sparked speculations of a potential mass defection to the ruling party.
“This is farther from the truth,” Ifoh asserted. “We are in constant communication with Governor Otti, and he has assured us he remains committed to the Labour Party. He’s not going anywhere.”
Ifoh acknowledged that defections are a familiar phenomenon in Nigeria’s political landscape but emphasized there was no merit to this particular rumour.
“The courts have clarified issues surrounding defections under Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution. While it’s not new for politicians to switch parties, the speculation about Otti lacks substance,” he explained.
Reaffirming the Labour Party’s confidence, Ifoh added, “We are solid in the Labour Party, and Governor Otti is firmly with us. By 2027, we’re optimistic about expanding our influence and increasing our number of governors.”
The dismissal aims to reassure party members and supporters amid rising political chatter about the 2027 election season.