Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said he did not join the Labour Party because of its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi.

The governor stated the had been in the LP before Mr Obi’s defected to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mr Otti, in his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the state capital, on Tuesday, said he would not join the African Democratic Congress alongside Mr Obi.

“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him,” the governor stated.

Mr Otti’s clarification came amid speculations that the former Anambra State governor would consider defecting to the ADC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In an X Space last Sunday, Mr Obi said he was part of the newly formed coalition party from inception, clarifying that he did not have to officially join the ADC to become its member.

He stated, “I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of. I’ve been part of the coalition from day one. Nobody is stepping down for me in the ADC. We have all agreed to work together and Atiku remains my respected leader.”

Mr Otti, who explained that Mr Obi had informed him of his plan to exit the Labour Party and that he gave him his blessing, said he would remain in LP to rebuild it.

“He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessing. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party.

“That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party,” the governor stated.

Mr Otti also dismissed calls by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on him to join the All Progressives Congress, insisting he was focused on delivering good governance to Abia State.

He added, “Ordinarily, I would not respond to matters like that. However, those of you who listened to my Christmas message will recall that I called on our people who have enough to extend support to the less privileged, particularly persons with disabilities.

“So, seeing that he heeded the call and distributed money to vulnerable people, I thank him for doing that.But I have also taken a principled decision not to be provoked or condescending in my response. We will remain focused on our job.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections, several governors, including Peter Mbah of Enugu State, had defected to the ruling APC, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while.