Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly debunked rumours suggesting he plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following recent political realignments in the South-South region.

The speculation emerged after a wave of defections rocked Delta State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), culminating in former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially joining the APC. During their welcome ceremony, both leaders cited a desire to “connect Delta State to Aso Rock” as a key reason for their defection.

However, in a recent interview with Arise Television, Governor Otti laughed off the idea that he needs to switch parties in order to gain proximity to federal power.

Governor Otti is not decamping, and my party is not on shaky ground,” he said pointedly.

If you’re asking whether I need to decamp to get close to the centre like others have done, I’ll tell you I’m even closer to the centre than some of them.

Otti further emphasized that political integrity and ideological consistency are essential in a democracy, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s own political path.

President Tinubu remained loyal to his progressive roots AD, AC, ACN before helping form the APC. If defection were the only route, he wouldn’t be where he is today. Sometimes, you need to stand for something, Otti explained.

Uncertain Future Amid Labour Party Leadership Crisis

While Otti reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, he acknowledged the party’s ongoing internal challenges. When asked whether he would ever consider leaving LP in the future, he responded with caution.

I am not God. I cannot say what will happen if there’s no LP tomorrow.

Otti’s political journey has seen him move from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and briefly to the APC before eventually joining the Labour Party the platform under which he secured victory in the 2023 governorship election.

For now, Otti appears resolute in staying put, dismissing defection rumours with confidence and humour, while reminding critics that power proximity is not always defined by party lines.