Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said he remains unshaken by what he described as the noise of opposition parties, stressing that his focus is on delivering quality governance to the people of the state.Otti made this remark on Monday while receiving Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, the member representing Bende North State Constituency, who officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Abia State.
Speaking during the event, the governor dismissed the opposition’s political maneuverings as unserious, stating that many of them enter the electoral race not with the intent to win, but rather to seek recognition, negotiation, or long-term political projection.
We are not bothered about the opposition and their noise, Otti said. Some of them just want their names to appear in the primaries, knowing fully well they can’t win. Others come to negotiate, and some just want to project themselves for future relevance. But we are here to do the job the people gave us.
He emphasized that his administration prefers to respond to political distractions with tangible results. People are making noise, but I respond with work, Otti added. We are focused on delivering good governance. For us, governance is about stewardship and leadership.
Welcoming Hon. Ibekwe into the Labour Party, Governor Otti congratulated him on making a bold and voluntary decision, assuring him that LP remains inclusive and does not discriminate based on former political affiliations.
You are now a ranking member of the Labour Party. No one forced you, and we value your decision, the governor said, noting that an official reception will be held for the lawmaker at a later date.
In his remarks, Hon. Ibekwe praised Governor Otti’s achievements, describing them as unprecedented and citing them as his reason for joining the LP. He assured the governor of his full support ahead of the 2027 election, saying, This is the best time for the people of Abia.
Ibekwe was accompanied by key stakeholders from Bende North, including Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, LP stalwart Chief Uwakwe Maduka, former Commissioner for Boundary Matters Mr. Mascot Obike, and APC spokesperson in Abia, Mr. Okey Ezeala.
Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
