The immediate past Chief of Staff to former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Barr. Emeka Enwereji, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party alongside other political stakeholders in Obingwa Local Government Area.
Enwereji formally joined the Labour Party on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during the party’s political rally for Obingwa East State Constituency held at Obete, Obingwa LGA.
The rally, which attracted prominent political figures and government officials, was attended by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who urged residents of Obingwa East to support all Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Addressing supporters, Otti stressed the importance of securing a majority in the National and State Houses of Assembly, arguing that such support would strengthen his administration’s legislative backing and facilitate the implementation of its development agenda.
The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Obingwa for their support, dismissing suggestions that the area was not favourably disposed to his administration.
He also alleged that votes cast for him in previous elections had been stolen by political opponents, assuring supporters that his administration would work to prevent a recurrence.
“I know that in previous elections, when you voted for me, my opponents stole the votes. But this time, it will be different because nobody will steal the votes cast by the people. There will be no rigging as witnessed in the past,” Otti declared.
He urged the electorate to vote for all Labour Party candidates rather than concentrating their support on his governorship ambition alone.
Otti also reminded voters to identify the party’s logo, popularly described as “Papa, Mama, Pikin,” on the ballot paper and urged them to remain vigilant in protecting their votes throughout the electoral process.
The governor, however, cautioned supporters against violence, encouraging them to monitor the electoral process and ensure that ballot papers and election results were properly accounted for.
Speaking on his administration’s performance, Otti said the developmental achievements recorded across Abia State had been accomplished within three years, expressing optimism that more projects and transformations would be delivered if given another term.
He further disclosed that his government was working towards creating employment opportunities and providing basic amenities to discourage young people from leaving Abia in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Responding to concerns raised by a traditional ruler over electricity challenges in his community, the governor directed the Obingwa Local Government Chairman to work with the traditional ruler and the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to address the situation.
He also approved the immediate deployment of a transformer to the affected community.
In their separate remarks, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party candidate for Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Dr. Wambu Chiemela; and the party’s candidate for Obingwa East State Constituency, Dr. Kelechi Seth Ebere, commended the governor for ongoing infrastructural projects in Obingwa and other parts of the state.
They also expressed confidence in the party’s political prospects, attributing their optimism to the developmental projects being executed by the Otti administration.
Earlier, the Abia State Labour Party Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike, praised the governor for what he described as his commitment to the development of Obingwa and the fulfilment of campaign promises.
Azubuike specifically referenced the completion of the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Akirikaobu Road, describing it as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Enwereji pledged their commitment to working for the success of the Labour Party and its candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Director-General of the Abia State Labour Party Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, appreciated residents of Obingwa for their turnout and urged them to support all Labour Party candidates at the polls.
Other dignitaries at the rally included former Abia State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Campaign Advisory Council, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; National Labour Party Vice Chairman, South-East, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha; and other top government officials.
The event also featured the formal reception of Enwereji and other defectors into the Labour Party.
