Otti: I won’t defect with Peter Obi

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out leaving the Labour Party (LP) alongside former presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he remains committed to the party for now.

Otti made this known during his monthly media interaction in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

The governor revealed that Obi had already informed him of his intention to quit the LP, adding that he gave the former governor of Anambra State his blessings but made it clear that he would stay behind to continue efforts to rebuild and reposition the party.

Otti said: “I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him.

“He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party.

“That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are unable to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party.”

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Responding to calls by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otti said he would not be distracted.

The governor acknowledged Kalu’s recent charitable gestures to vulnerable people but maintained that he would not engage in political distractions, saying his focus remains on governance.

Otti added: “Ordinarily, I would not respond to matters like that. However, those of you who listened to my Christmas message would recall that I called on our people who have enough to extend support to the less privileged, particularly at this period.

“So, seeing that he heeded the call and distributed money to vulnerable people, I thank him for doing that.”

The Star