Governor Alex Otti has formally welcomed former governorship candidate Reagan Ufomba and the entire Change Abia political structure into the Labour Party, describing the development as a major boost to the party’s growing influence in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reception ceremony, held on Wednesday at the headquarters of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Okpuala Ngwa, attracted a large gathering of party faithful, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, government officials, and supporters of the Change Abia movement.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described Ufomba as a longtime friend and supporter of his administration, noting that the former governorship candidate’s decision to join the Labour Party merely formalized an existing relationship built on a shared commitment to the development of Abia State.
According to the governor, Ufomba had previously explained that his ambition to govern the state was driven by a desire to transform Abia, adding that he had now chosen to align with an administration pursuing the same developmental vision.
Otti formally presented the Labour Party flag to Ufomba, symbolizing his admission into the party.
Earlier, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Peter Azubuike, welcomed the new entrant and his supporters, assuring them of equal opportunities and inclusion within the party structure.
“Labour Party is one united family. Once you join this movement, you have the same rights and privileges as every other member,” Azubuike said.
In his address, Ufomba said his decision to join the Labour Party was based on conviction and the visible performance of the Otti administration rather than political expediency.
“This is not merely about a political party. It is about the future of Abia State. It is about leadership. It is about performance. It is about measurable impact. It is about results,” he declared.
The former governorship candidate praised Otti’s administration for what he described as significant progress in infrastructure development, economic reforms, and transparent governance.
He cited projects such as Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Ohanku Road, Obohia Road, Omuma Road, the ongoing Government House and Okpara Auditorium projects, bridge and drainage reconstruction works, environmental sanitation initiatives, the proposed Abia Airport project, and the Abia Medical City project as evidence of the state’s transformation.
Ufomba also argued that Governor Otti had restored confidence and hope among Abians through visible development across the state.
In one of the strongest political endorsements of the event, he stated that anyone seeking to challenge Otti in the 2027 governorship election would face a difficult task.
“There is no good coach or good spectator that changes a winning team. Governor Alex Otti is a winning team,” he said.
He stressed that his move to the Labour Party was motivated by belief in the governor’s leadership and vision for the state.
“My decision to join the Labour Party is based on conviction. I joined because I believe Abia is moving in the right direction. I joined because Governor Alex Otti has demonstrated courage, competence, and commitment,” Ufomba added.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Caleb Ajagba, said the administration continued to enjoy broad support across the state, including from members of opposition parties who had acknowledged the government’s performance.
Similarly, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Chika Ekwuribe, pledged continued support for the governor and his administration.
In his closing remarks, Governor Otti reiterated his commitment to delivering transformational governance across the state, highlighting ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, urban renewal, and economic development.
He assured Ufomba and members of the Change Abia movement that they would enjoy full membership rights within the Labour Party and have opportunities to contribute to its growth.
The defection of Ufomba and the Change Abia structure, which party officials said comprises more than 197 affiliate groups, is being viewed as one of the most significant political realignments in Abia State in recent times and a major boost for the Labour Party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
