Former Abia Lawmaker, Over 200 Supporters Defect from APC to Labour Party, Cite Gov Otti's Achievements

 

In a significant boost to the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly and more than 200 of his supporters have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chief Paul Taribo, who formerly represented Ukwa East State Constituency in the state assembly, alongside Mrs. Theresa Oxford Nwabara and their followers (numbering over 100 in the initial group, with reports indicating the total exceeding 200), formally joined the Labour Party during an event at Ikwueke East Ward.

Taribo, previously a prominent APC chieftain in the state, announced the defection, attributing his decision to the visible achievements of Governor Alex Otti's administration. He expressed his commitment to supporting Otti's re-election bid in 2027 and contributing to the ongoing development in Abia State.

The defection comes amid a series of political movements in the state, where the Labour Party has been consolidating support since Otti's victory in 2023. Otti's focus on infrastructure, security, and good governance has reportedly attracted politicians disillusioned with other parties.

This development is seen as a further indication of shifting allegiances in Abia politics, with the Labour Party gaining momentum at the grassroots level. Party leaders have welcomed the new members, describing it as a vote of confidence in the current administration's performance.

The APC has yet to issue an official response to the latest defections, but such movements are increasingly common in Nigeria's dynamic political landscape as parties position themselves for future elections.