APC, PDP CHIEFTAINS IN UKWA EAST DEFECT TO LABOUR PARTY, ENDORSE ALEX OTTI FOR 2027

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have officially defected to the Labour Party, declaring their support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.The political realignment was announced on February 26, 2026, during a gathering of party stakeholders and supporters in Ukwa East. The defectors cited what they described as improved governance, infrastructural renewal, and fiscal reforms under Otti’s administration as reasons for their decision to join the Labour Party.Speaking at the event, leaders of the group said the governor’s performance since assuming office has convinced them that continuity is necessary to consolidate ongoing development projects across the state. They described the endorsement as a “strategic move” aimed at strengthening grassroots political support ahead of 2027.Political observers note that Ukwa East has traditionally been a competitive political base, making the defections significant in shaping early alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle. The move is expected to intensify political calculations within both the APC and PDP structures in Abia State.With the 2027 governorship election still months away, analysts believe further cross-party movements could emerge as stakeholders reposition themselves in the evolving political landscape.