From TCNEWS
In a major political realignment in Abia State, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Ralph Egbu, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his allegiance to the Labour Party, led by Governor Alex Otti.
Egbu’s defection, confirmed during a press briefing at his Umuiku country home in Ukwa West Local Government Area, marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. The announcement came after he submitted a formally signed resignation letter to the Oza Ukwu Ward Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Bidwell Nwankwo, over the weekend.
Chief Egbu’s move is not merely a change in party affiliation. As a seasoned public administrator, former Commissioner for Information and veteran journalist, his decision is seen as a political endorsement of Governor Otti’s administration. Analysts suggest this could deepen support for the Labour Party across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas and potentially alter the political equation ahead of future elections.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Egbu’s move adds momentum to Governor Otti’s growing political coalition. It also signals potential volatility for the PDP in Abia, which now faces internal recalibrations amid rising defections.
Explaining his defection, Chief Egbu cited a combination of grassroots pressure and a personal conviction to support good governance as key drivers. “My constituents demanded it, and my conscience aligned,” he said. He praised Governor Otti’s two-year-old administration for what he described as “visible strides in transparency, infrastructural development, and responsive governance.”
“Governor Otti has proven that leadership anchored on vision and service delivery is possible,” Egbu stated. “To stand aloof would only allow retrogressive elements to reverse the gains we’ve made.”
Egbu outlined achievements of the Labour Party-led administration, including timely salary payments, pensioner welfare, improved waste management, free basic education, and ongoing projects like the Abia Airport and Medical City. “This is the kind of leadership we should be nurturing, where democratic values are respected and development is tangible,” he noted.
He also highlighted the governor’s openness to constructive criticism: “He doesn’t claim omniscience. When errors are pointed out, he listens, adjusts, and moves forward.”
Addressing leaders of his political structure spread across all 17 LGAs of the state, Chief Egbu confirmed that his entire network would align with Governor Otti’s Labour Party. “My political family and I have decided unanimously to join the Labour Party. We are confident this is the path forward for Ukwa and for Abia,” he declared.
As the Labour Party continues to position itself as a reform-driven alternative across Nigeria, such endorsements may ripple beyond state borders, reflecting wider shifts in the country’s evolving political dynamics.
He further emphasized that the Asa people of Ukwa West are already witnessing developmental attention and will now rally behind the governor with “full political and electoral support.”
Chief Ralph Egbu brings decades of experience in both governance and media. He previously served as Chief Press Secretary to various military administrators and held key cabinet roles in previous governments. His switch is viewed by observers as a symbolic blow to the PDP and a substantial gain for Governor Otti’s administration.
