The people of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office, as prominent political figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) collapsed their structures into the Labour Party.

The endorsement followed a mass political realignment in which the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo; former commissioner and transition chairman, Hon. Ossy Nwamuo; two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown, and other political leaders formally defected to the Labour Party.

Welcoming the new members, Governor Otti thanked them for their support and endorsement, describing the development as a strong vote of confidence in his administration ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing longstanding concerns in the area, the governor announced that electricity supply to the Ndoki axis of Ukwa East, which has been without power for more than two decades, would be fully restored by the end of March 2026.

“If we could provide power to Ukwa West and even Etche, which is not part of Abia State, then Ukwa East must have electricity,” Otti said, assuring residents that required transformers and a smart metering system would be delivered within weeks.

He also directed the Commissioner for Works to extend the Ohanku Road into Ohanku community and confirmed that the ongoing reconstruction of Obohia Road would be extended to Obohia village, alongside repairs of key internal roads in the local government.

On security and boundary issues, the governor said disputes around Akirika Obu were being addressed in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure lasting peace.

Governor Otti further disclosed that his administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an international firm for the revival of Abia Palm, adding that palm production and processing would soon resume.

He revealed that 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted, with four already functional, while the remaining facilities would be operational within the next 45 days.

In line with his governance philosophy, the governor declined a proposed chieftaincy title from traditional rulers, asking that it be reserved until after the completion of his tenure in 2031.

Earlier, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara moved the motion endorsing Otti for a second term, which was seconded by Hon. Lewis Obianyi and unanimously affirmed by the crowd.

Speaking at the event, Senator Wabara, Hon. Obianyi, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche and Lady Chinedu Brown said the endorsement transcended party politics and reflected a collective decision by Ukwa people to support a governor they said had delivered on infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Ukwa East, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and traditional ruler Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke praised Governor Otti’s projects in the area and pledged total support for his re-election.

The event was attended by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, traditional rulers, party leaders and other dignitaries, who offered prayers and goodwill to the governor.