Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh, defects to Labour Party

The lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has defected to the Labour Party (LP) after resigning from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ikwechegh disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Alex Otti at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to him, the visit was to formally notify Otti of his decision to join the Labour Party and to seek his blessings as the party’s national leader in the state.

“I visited the governor this evening to receive his blessings. As you may or may not know, I have received my Labour Party card as a new member of the party,” Ikwechegh said.

The federal lawmaker confirmed that he had tendered his resignation from APGA before obtaining his LP membership card. He also dismissed speculation that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

He clarified that he only attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the President and said the visit should not be interpreted as a political defection.

“There have been speculations that after I met with the President, I joined the APC. This is not true. We went to observe the Iftar with the President, and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture.

“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters who have decided to join the APC or the City Boys group. Politics is about interest. What may appear as nine to one person may look like six to another; it all depends on perspective,” he said.

Ikwechegh explained that his decision to align with the Labour Party was largely influenced by his admiration for Governor Otti’s performance, describing him as a result-driven leader whose policies have brought visible transformation to the state.

He added that his political ideology aligns with that of the governor and maintained that the Labour Party remains a credible platform for progressive-minded Nigerians.

The lawmaker also commended the party’s leadership, including Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, stressing that a vibrant opposition is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and ensuring accountability in governance.

Ikwechegh urged Abia residents and Nigerians at large to register with the Labour Party, adding that an online registration link would soon be made available.

Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Leader of the Labour Party caucus in the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, welcomed Ikwechegh into the party.

Onwusibe disclosed that Ikwechegh had resigned from APGA last week and was earlier received by the LP caucus in Abuja before his formal presentation to the governor.

“As caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” Onwusibe said.

He described the defection as a major boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that Ikwechegh would make meaningful contributions under the LP platform.

Drawing a football analogy, Onwusibe likened the move to a club signing a talented player, noting that such additions strengthen the team.

“We are very happy that he is now in our family. This is one of the best signings the Labour Party has made, and it will manifest in the 2027 election.

“He saw the good works of the governor and the contributions of Labour Party members in the National Assembly from Abia State, such as Amobi Ogah and others.”

“Very soon, he will also make his own contributions. He believes he is better off in this family than where he was,” he stated.

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