Thousands dump PDP in Isialangwa South, join LP
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
It was a harvest of new members for the ruling Labour Party in Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State as thousands of stakeholders, ward chairmen and other faithful of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the area dumped the party (PDP) and joined Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis to defect formally to the ruling Labour Party.
Receiving the new members into Labour Party at the formal reception ceremony in his honour, held at the Group Primary School, Umuoba, Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Alex Otti, described the Labour Party as an inclusive platform open to all Nigerians who are committed to good governance.
Recall that the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis, recently defected from PDP to LP, thus depleting the number of PDP lawmakers in the state legislature.
“Honourable Ceaser Rowland, we are glad to have you join our party and we thank you for bringing this multitude of people that you brought with you, including leaders,” a happy Governor Otti said.
“In Labour Party, we do not discriminate, so, if you’re joining today, you will be given the same status with those who joined a long time ago.
“I want to say that I’m happy to receive you and it is my pleasure to now call on the Chairman of the party to hand-over the flag to you,” the Governor said.
He assured the new entrants of full Integration and equal treatment within the party, citing his own political journey as proof of LP’s fairness.
“I joined the party in 2023, and was given the ticket to contest the governorship election in 2023, and today, I am Governor. If there was discrimination, I wouldn’t be here,” the Governor noted.
He also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and party stakeholders who came out in large numbers to witness the event, as well as members of other political parties who have decided to join the Labour Party.
The Governor emphasized that his administration was focused on serving the poor and less privileged by delivering democracy dividends to the people.
“Our government is for the people, especially the less privileged. We have come to serve them, and we will not be distracted,” he declared.
Governor Otti highlighted the transformation taking place under his leadership, stating that the State has become “a construction site,” with numerous development projects underway.
He dismissed speculations that Hon. Dennis’ defection was linked to the 2027 elections, saying that he (Otti) was not concerned about future political contests but remains dedicated to fulfilling his mandate.
“I cannot be blackmailed with the 2027 elections. I am focused on serving the people who gave me their mandate. When the time comes, they have the power to renew it if they so wish,” Gov. Otti stated.
Speaking, the LP’s new catch and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia legislature, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis, told the crowd that he was attracted to join the Labour Party because of the good governance of the Governor in the state.
Dennis said that the “Governor is fixing roads in all the 17 LGAs, doing great in healthcare sector, paying pensioners and active workers on the 28th of every month,” among other things.
He assured the Governor that with the crop of individuals that joined him to Labour Party, Isialangwa South was ready for 2027 and would show him great support as the major stakeholders were now in one camp.
In their separate speeches, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Honourable Ginger Onwusibe, said that political parties operate on free entry and free exit and thanked the Governor for accepting members of the opposition into the ruling party.
They urged the people of the area to appreciate the developmental strides of Governor Alex Otti in their area and sustain their support for him, saying that there was no vacancy in Abia Government House in 2027.
The event attracted many top government officials and saw the Labour Party Chairman of Isialangwa South, Mr. Smart Ogbonna, presenting LP flags to the new entrants.
Political watchers believe that LP may swallow PDP in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, the home Council of the Governor Otti, which mounted a stiff opposition to the realization of the Governor’s ambition in 2023.
