Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly denied claims that he held a meeting with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to discuss a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the report was described as completely false and without any basis. Ekeoma explained that after the National Economic Council meeting on April 24, Governor Otti and several of his colleagues attended a private event hosted by Governor Uzodinma to celebrate the birthday of his twin daughters. He emphasized that the gathering was purely social and had no political undertone.
The statement noted that Governor Otti’s growing popularity and outstanding performance as Abia State’s leader naturally attract admiration and speculation. However, it stressed that any political decision with significant impact would always be made in collaboration with the people of Abia and the Governor’s political allies, ensuring it serves the best interest of the state.
Governor Otti was said to maintain that it is unfair to shift focus to 2027 political ambitions when his administration is less than two years old. He urged that governance, not politics, should remain the priority.
Ferdinand Ekeoma concluded by confirming that Governor Otti remains a committed member of the Labour Party and is not planning or negotiating a move to the APC or any other political party.
