Former Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, has announced his decision to join the Labour Party and support Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid. The shift came during a visit to Governor Otti’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, on Wednesday, where Agbazuere formally declared his allegiance to the Labour Party. His move marks a significant political realignment in Abia State, especially given his previous high-profile role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his leadership of a strategic committee aimed at securing APC’s dominance in the state.
Until his resignation, Agbazuere served as Chairman of a strategic committee established in March 2026 by three former Abia State governors — Okezie Ikpeazu, Theodore Orji, and Orji Uzor Kalu — to craft a roadmap for APC’s victory and good governance. The committee was inaugurated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, on behalf of the former governors. Agbazuere’s leadership in this APC initiative had positioned him as a key figure in the party’s political strategy for the state.
However, his recent visit to Governor Otti’s residence signaled a dramatic shift in political loyalty. Agbazuere, accompanied by his supporters, stated that Governor Otti’s performance in office was the primary reason for his decision to leave the APC and join the Labour Party. He emphasized that the Governor’s development agenda and governance style convinced him that the Labour Party was the best platform to advance Abia State’s progress.
In response, Governor Alex Otti welcomed Agbazuere and his supporters with open arms. He assured them that they would not face any form of discrimination from existing Labour Party members and encouraged them to formally register with the party. Otti reiterated his commitment to deepening development across Abia State, pledging to expand infrastructure, improve security, and enhance public service delivery.
The move by Professor Agbazuere is expected to influence political dynamics in Abia State ahead of the next general elections. His experience and influence within the political landscape could bolster the Labour Party’s campaign efforts and attract more defections from the APC. As the 2027 elections draw closer, this development underscores the evolving political alliances and voter sentiment in the state.
Governor Otti’s administration now faces the challenge of integrating new members while maintaining party cohesion, but the inclusion of Agbazuere signals a growing confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to deliver sustainable change. This political shift may also prompt a re-evaluation of APC’s strategy as it seeks to retain its foothold in Abia State.
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