The Labour Party (LP) has debunked claims that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the LP, made this clarification during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

The rumours suggested that five first-term opposition governors, including Otti, Peter Mba of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom, were considering joining the APC. However, Ifoh confirmed that Otti has no plans to leave the Labour Party.

Describing the speculation as “farther from the truth,” Ifoh stated that the party maintains communication with Governor Otti, who has reassured them of his loyalty.

While acknowledging that political defection is not uncommon in Nigeria’s democratic system, Ifoh dismissed these particular rumours as baseless.

“The courts have repeatedly interpreted Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, and individuals who defected in the past have faced legal challenges,” he explained.

He added, “If five governors are planning to defect, it wouldn’t be unusual, as it has happened before. However, we are confident in Labour Party’s stability, and Governor Otti remains with us. By 2027, we aim to bring more governors into our fold.”