A faction of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has declared that it will not accept Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) into the party.
Gatekeepers News reports that the faction known as Abia Best Interest Association (A.B.I.A.), made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, where its convener, Eze Chikamnayo, warned party stakeholders against entertaining the idea of Otti’s defection.
Chikamnayo accused the Abia State government of mismanaging public funds, alleging that over ₦54 billion had been expended on 51 public school projects across the state between the first and fourth quarters of 2024 without any visible evidence of completion.
He also applauded President Bola Tinubu for turning down Otti’s invitation to commission projects in the state last week, calling the move “a wise and commendable decision.”
Chikamnayo said, “We will not welcome Alex Otti with his excess baggage into the APC. Abia APC has capable individuals who can work with President Tinubu to restore genuine governance in our state.”
The group further called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to caution Governor Otti and focus his attention on the challenges facing Abia instead of drawing comparisons with foreign countries.
He said. “He should stop talking about Indonesia or China and start talking about Abia State.”
According to him, Otti’s administration has subjected residents to untold hardship, adding that Abians are eager for change.
He said, “The reality in Abia today is that our people are yearning for liberation, and that liberation will come in 2027.”
Chikamnayo dismissed speculations that Governor Otti could be joining the APC soon, stressing that such a plan would meet strong opposition within the party.
He further warned, “Anyone planning to bring Otti into the APC is daydreaming.”
