UMUAHIA, Nigeria – Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has dismissed reports linking him to a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the claims “false, baseless, and unfounded.”
The reports, which surfaced after Thursday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, suggested that Otti had recently met with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to discuss a potential switch to the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified that the meeting was misrepresented and had no political implications.
He explained that after the NEC meeting, Governor Otti, along with a few colleagues, attended the birthday celebration of Uzodimma’s twin daughters, an event that had no connection to politics.
Ekeoma further stated that the growing speculation surrounding Otti’s political affiliations could be attributed to the governor’s increasing profile and performance in office.
However, he emphasized that any decisions with significant political consequences would be made in consultation with the people of Abia and Otti’s close political allies.
“Otti remains focused on governance and considers it premature to allow 2027 politics to distract him from fulfilling his mandate to the people of Abia,” Ekeoma added.
He reiterated that Otti continues to be a member of the Labour Party and is not planning any discussions about defecting to the APC or any other political party.
The statement comes as reports of defections from major opposition parties to the ruling APC, with several governors and key party members said to be considering similar moves.
Otti has emphasized, however, that the governor’s current priority is his work in Abia, not national politics.
