Ukwa East Mayor Leads Labour Party Expansion As Former Majority Leader, Key Political Figures Defect To Support Gov. Otti’s Re-election

The Executive Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Chibunna Akara, has continued to strengthen the Labour Party at the grassroots as Hon. Paul Taribo, former Member representing Ukwa East State Constituency and former Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly and Mrs. Theresa Ijeoma Oxford Nwabara, on Saturday, 7th February, 2026, officially defected to the Labour Party alongside other political figures and supporters.

The defection ceremony took place in Ikwueke East Ward, where Hon. Akara joined the leadership of the Labour Party to formally receive Hon. Taribo and other new members into the party.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Taribo, who was until recently a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him. He said his decision to join the Labour Party was motivated by the visible achievements of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the Governor’s re-election in 2027.

Hon. Taribo pledged his loyalty and commitment to the Labour Party, assuring members of his readiness to work assiduously to deepen the party’s presence and influence in Ikwueke East Ward and across Ukwa East Local Government Area. He cited his confidence in the leadership style, vision, and developmental agenda of Governor Otti, as well as the purposeful leadership of Hon. Chibunna Akara, as major factors that informed his decision to align with the Labour Party.

In his remarks, Hon. Chibunna Akara described Hon. Taribo as a valuable addition to the party, noting that the Labour Party remains a broad, inclusive platform that welcomes all well-meaning individuals committed to service and development, regardless of their political background. He assured the new entrants of a conducive and supportive environment within the party.

Hon. Akara further urged party leaders and stakeholders to sustain the momentum by mobilising credible and like-minded individuals ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that Hon. Taribo’s experience, leadership capacity, and political network would significantly enhance the growth and electoral strength of the Labour Party in Ukwa East.

Also speaking, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, Member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, expressed confidence that with the growing strength and cohesion of the Labour Party in Ukwa East, the re-election of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is assured. He added that the Governor’s continued leadership would translate into increased development and improved welfare for the people of Ukwa East.

Hon. Obianyi commended the Labour Party leadership in the local government for maintaining an open-door policy and thanked the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chibunna Akara, for his proactive efforts in recruiting high-value individuals into the party and for working in close synergy with party leaders to consolidate the party at the grassroots.

The event attracted several prominent personalities, including Hon. Lewis Obianyi, Member Representing Ukwa East State Constituency,
Dr. (Hon.) Thelma Inglis-Ekeke; Deputy Mayor, Ukwa East Local Government Area; Hon. Elvis Wabara, State Financial Secretary of the Labour Party; Comrade Clement Nwankwo, Chairman, Labour Party, Ukwa East Chapter;
Hon. Kenneth Okere, former two-time Commissioner; Hon. Charles Ukaegbu, Majority Leader, Ukwa East Legislative Council; Hon. Chibuike Nnanna, Deputy Majority Leader, Ukwa East Legislative Council; Hon. Vincent Ordor, Minority Leader, Ukwa East Legislative Council;
Hon. Obioma Nwaulu, Supervisor for Works; Hon. Acho Nnadede, Councillor;
Prof. O. J. Kamalu; Hon. Onyewuchi Nweke; and other party leaders and stakeholders.