Former deputy governor joins Labour Party weeks after dumping PDP

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko-Chukwu, has formally switched allegiance to the Labour Party, marking his political comeback just weeks after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

Chukwu, who served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, announced his defection on Saturday at his hometown in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area.

“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.

He praised Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, saying, “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission. You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today.”

Welcoming him into the party, Governor Otti described Chukwu as a leader “who will give you your due respect” and assured that infrastructure projects in Nkporo, including an already awarded road, would match the quality of those in Aba and Umuahia.

State Labour Party Chairman Sir Emmanuel Otti called the defection “a move that will awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”

Ohafia LGA LP Chairman Godwin Kalu pledged unity and development, while PDP’s local chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his move to the Labour Party alongside Chukwu.