No fewer than 66 politicians from different parties have officially joined the Labour Party (LP) in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

The defectors, who came from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and other parties, were received on Friday by Governor Alex Otti at Obehie Central School.

Prominent among them are former Deputy Speaker Adinigwe Ugochukwu Nwoke, former Secretary to the Abia State Government Ngozi Ulunwa, Ralph Egbu, Uche Nwaele, Ugoeze Ogbonna, and Lucky Ejiogu.

Ukwa West has long been a PDP stronghold, with the umbrella party dominating elections in the area from 1999 until 2023. But the political tide appears to be shifting with this latest defection.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Otti thanked the new members for aligning with the Labour Party and urged others still undecided to take a stand.

“I warmly welcome our new members and their supporters. If there are still people sitting on the fence, let them know it’s time to join before the train leaves the station,” Otti said.

The governor also announced plans to build a mini-stadium in Ukwa West. He directed the council’s mayor to survey and fence the proposed site immediately.

On the lingering dispute over the location of a proposed skills acquisition centre by Inner Galaxy company, Otti advised the Obehie community to embrace peace and allow the company to site the project at its chosen location.

Speaking at the event, the acting Chairman of LP in Abia State, Nwaeze Oti, said the governor’s performance has continued to draw more politicians and grassroots supporters into the party.