Former Abia Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu Joins Labour Party, Bourdex Hails Move As Boost For 2027 Elections | WATCH VIDEO

The political atmosphere in Abia State took a new turn as former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, officially joined the Labour Party (LP) alongside his political team, in what analysts describe as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, renowned Abiriba-born businessman and political leader, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, popularly known as Ugo'Ena Nde Abiriba, warmly congratulated Ude Oko Chukwu and his supporters, describing their defection as another clear testimony to the good governance strides of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

According to Bourdex, Otti's administration has restored confidence in governance, rekindled the hopes of Abians across party lines, and repositioned the Labour Party as the most attractive platform in the state.

[caption id="attachment_194060" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Governor Alex Otti hands over LP flag to former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu[/caption]

Ude Oko Chukwu, who served as the Deputy Governor of Abia State under the previous PDP administration, was widely regarded as one of the political heavyweights in the state. His entry into the Labour Party, insiders believe, is not only a political statement but also a move that could significantly tilt the balance of power in Abia North Senatorial District and beyond.

Bourdex, in his congratulatory message, stressed that the arrival of Oko Chukwu and his loyalists would further strengthen the Labour Party's structure as it prepares for the 2027 general elections, noting that the momentum being built under Governor Otti is already transforming Abia's political landscape.

The former Deputy Governor's defection follows a series of alignments by notable politicians and stakeholders into the Labour Party since Otti assumed office. Analysts point out that the wave of defections is a direct result of what they term the "Otti Effect" - a growing belief that the governor's people-centered governance has provided a credible alternative to decades of misrule in Abia State.

Bourdex, who is also a frontline senatorial hopeful for Abia North in 2027, reaffirmed his commitment to working with like minds such as Oko Chukwu to consolidate Labour Party's dominance across the state. He described the move as "a victory for the people and a step closer to the rebirth of Abia."

Observers say Ude Oko Chukwu's decision to pitch tent with Labour Party may trigger more defections from the opposition, especially from the PDP, where he previously held sway. With Labour Party gaining ground in Abia North and across the state, the stage appears set for what may become one of the fiercest political battles leading to the 2027 polls.