Onyekwere Akym Uche to Gov. Otti: You're Already Doing What I Wanted for Abia - 2023 Ex-AA Guber Candidate Joins LP | SEE PHOTOS

... Lauds Governor's Developmental Strides, Cites Improved Roads, Timely Salaries, Ongoing Projects

In a significant political realignment in Abia State, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Onyekwere Akym Uche, popularly known as OAU, has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP), declaring his total support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.

[caption id="attachment_188227" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Rt. Honorable Ndubuisi Chukwueke Speaking on Behalf of Onyekwere Akym Uche today[/caption]

OAU, who was represented by Rt. Honorable Ndubuisi Chukwueke during the formal defection ceremony that Labour Party dignitaries present, said his decision was inspired by Governor Otti's impressive performance since assuming office in 2023.

Speaking on his defection, Onyekwere Akym Uche revealed that after contesting the last gubernatorial election alongside Governor Otti, he took time to observe the current administration's impact and came to the conclusion that the governor was already achieving the developmental goals he once campaigned for.

"Before now, it used to take more than two hours to travel from Isuikwuato to Umuahia. Today, it takes less than 30 minutes from Akara to Umuahia. If you pass through Nunye, you will see the express road the governor is currently constructing in Isuikwuato," Onyekwere Akym Uche stated.

He also praised the prompt payment of workers' salaries, a departure from the backlog and delays that plagued past administrations.

"Before the 27th of every month, Abia workers are paid. Salaries, which used to be a major issue, are no longer a problem. These are the giant strides that convinced me," he added.

According to OAU, there is no need to oppose a leader who is genuinely delivering on his promises.

"There is absolutely no need to contest against Governor Alex Otti in 2027. He is already doing the great things I intended to do. So, I am joining the Labour Party to support the governor and ensure he achieves even more for the people of Abia State," the former AA candidate declared.

The defection which had hundreds of OAU supporters defecting also, has been described as a major boost for the Labour Party, especially in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, and a testament to Governor Otti's growing political influence across party lines.

Observers believe that with key political actors like Onyekwere Akym Uche aligning with the governor, Labour Party's dominance in the region is becoming more consolidated ahead of future elections.

Prominent Labour Party leaders present during the defection included the Isuikwuato LGA Chairman of the party, Honorable Harrison Onuke; the Member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Honorable Lucky Udoka Nweke Johnson; the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Madam Elizabeth; Ward 3 Labour Party stakeholders- Onyekachi Aguocha, Ben Imediegwu; Ward 2 political stakeholder, Chinedumeije Ibezim; all Ward 3 executives of the Labour Party; and many others.

[caption id="attachment_188228" align="alignnone" width="1536"] Arrival of Member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Honorable Lucky Udoka Nweke Johnson[/caption]