Rep. Alex Ikwechegh joins Labour Party, citing Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and alignment with progressive politics after resigning from APGA

The lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh, has officially joined the Labour Party (LP), citing admiration for Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and the party’s progressive agenda as key reasons for his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

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Ikwechegh made the announcement in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State after a meeting with Governor Otti, where he received the governor’s blessings.

He clarified that his decision was independent of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing speculation linking him to the party.

“Well, I visited the governor this evening to receive his blessings. As you may or may not know, I have received my Labour Party card as a new member of the party,” Ikwechegh told journalists.

He described Otti as “an exceptional and result-oriented leader” whose governance style aligns with his own political ideology.

The lawmaker emphasised that his move was guided by conscience and the desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building, insisting that politics should prioritise service to the people over self-interest or intimidation.

Responding to reports about his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Ikwechegh clarified that the visit was strictly to attend an Iftar event and should not be interpreted as a political alignment with APC.

“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters that have decided to join APC,” he said, stressing that Nigeria operates a multi-party democracy where opposition strengthens governance and accountability.

Chief Ginger Onwusibe, the Leader of the LP Caucus in the National Assembly and lawmaker for Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, welcomed Ikwechegh into the party, describing the defection as a significant gain for LP ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

“As a caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” Onwusibe said.

He highlighted that Ikwechegh was motivated by Governor Otti’s performance and the contributions of LP lawmakers from Abia in the National Assembly, including figures such as Amobi Ogah.

Ikwechegh urged Abia residents and Nigerians to join Labour Party, noting that an online registration link would be made available.

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He reiterated his commitment to supporting Governor Otti’s administration and emphasised that “politics should focus on development and service to the people.”