A former deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko-Chukwu, has formally joined the Labour 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 commended 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.”
Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, hailed his decision and described him as a principled leader.
According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”
However, 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.