A federal lawmaker from has switched allegiance to the Labour Party, citing admiration for the state’s governor and a desire to contribute to ongoing developments.
Alexander Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South constituency in the House of Representatives, announced his defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance on Tuesday after meeting Abia Governor Alex Otti at his residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South.
Ikwechegh resigned from APGA last week and was formally welcomed by the LP caucus in Abuja before the encounter with Otti, whom he praised as a “result-oriented leader” driving visible transformations in the state.
Addressing rumours of a potential move to the ruling All Progressives Congress following an Iftar event with President Bola Tinubu, Ikwechegh clarified: “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.”
He added: “I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters who have decided to join the APC or the City Boys group. What I would say is that politics is about interest. There could be a figure nine before you and a figure six in front of you; it all depends on your perspective.”
Ikwechegh commended the LP’s national caretaker committee under Senator Nenadi Usman and the Abia caucus led by Senator Darlington Nwokocha, emphasizing the importance of opposition in Nigeria’s democracy.
He urged citizens to join the party, announcing an upcoming online registration link.
Ginger Onwusibe, LP caucus leader in the National Assembly and representative for Isiala Ngwa North and South, hailed the switch as a boost for the party: “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.”
Onwusibe added: “He saw the good works of the governor and the work of Labour Party members in the National Assembly from Abia State are doing, like Amobi Ogah and others. Very soon, he will also make his own contributions. So he feels he is better off in this family than where he was.”
