The Abia State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) officially merged with the Labour Party (LP) on Saturday.
Led by Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, the NNPP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, the party highlighted the impressive accomplishments of Governor Alex Otti, commending his leadership for making Abia a model state in Nigeria.
Ukpai pledged to support the governor in elevating the state to even greater heights.
During the handover of the party structure to Governor Otti and the state LP chairman, Emmanuel Oti, Ukpai praised the governor as a “socio-political leader” and affirmed, “Today, we are here to fulfill the promise I made to assist the governor.
Otti has brought joy to the people of Abia and has put the state on the map politically, socially, and spiritually.”
“As it is now, others copy from Abia and his leadership has come to be. We are all going to put hands together to make sure LP works and to make Abia a state to copy.”
His running mate in the election, Barr. Chiedozie Josiah, along with the NNPP state coordinator, David Urum, praised the state governor as “a remarkable leader who serves with genuine intent,” adding that he exemplifies leadership through his actions, providing valuable lessons for other leaders.
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In an interview with journalists afterward, Ukpai shared his thoughts on merging the NNPP with the Labour Party, stating, “There’s no regret, disappointment, or embarrassment about our move to LP. We defected, not deflated.”
In response, Governor Otti reflected on his past electoral experiences, recalling that his previous two mandates had been stolen “until God intervened and said, enough is enough.” He emphasized, “In both the government and the party, we don’t discriminate.
Joining LP late doesn’t make anyone less significant; otherwise, I wouldn’t have won.” Otti reaffirmed that Abia State’s focus remains on the well-being of the people, stressing that “the welfare of the masses, not the interests of the wealthy, is our priority.”
Earlier, while welcoming the defectors to the Labour Party, the state chairman, Oti, noted that many are joining because of Governor Otti’s vision and commitment to development within the state and beyond.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Rt. Hon. Acho Obioma, expressed his enthusiasm about the NNPP’s decision to merge with the Labour Party, encouraging the defectors to collaborate with Governor Otti to advance the state.
(Punch)
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