Ex‑Lawmaker, 200 Others Defect From APC to Labour Party in Abia

Ex‑Lawmaker, 200 Others Defect From APC to Labour Party in Abia

A former member of the Abia State House of Assembly and over 200 supporters have officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, in a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief Paul Taribo, the ex‑lawmaker who represented Ukwa East State Constituency, led the group into the Labour Party at a ceremony held in Ukwa East Local Government Area on Monday. Taribo said his decision to leave the APC was motivated by the vision and developmental agenda of Governor Alex Otti, adding that he wants to contribute to strengthening the party’s influence across the state.

“I am joining the Labour Party to support a leadership that prioritizes development and reflects the aspirations of the people,” Taribo said. “We are committed to deepening the party’s presence in Ukwa East and across Abia State.”

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Current Abia State legislator Hon. Lewis Obianyi welcomed the defection, expressing confidence that the influx of members will enhance the Labour Party’s electoral prospects. He said the move demonstrates growing public approval of Governor Otti’s leadership and the LP’s governance agenda.

Political analysts say the defection reflects a broader trend of political realignment in Abia and the Southeast, where politicians and grassroots supporters have shifted allegiances to parties they perceive as more aligned with their interests or the state leadership. Similar mass defections have previously occurred in areas such as Ohafia Local Government, signalling a steady momentum for the Labour Party in the region.

Observers note that the development could reshape party dynamics in Abia ahead of the 2027 elections, influencing candidate selections, grassroots mobilisation, and overall electoral strategies. The Labour Party’s growing profile in the state is viewed as a major political shift that could challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP in the Southeast.

Ex‑Lawmaker, 200 Others Defect From APC to Labour Party in Abia