A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, has refuted widespread rumors suggesting that Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is planning to defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Okoh, who also serves as the National President of the Market Youths Congress of Nigeria (MYCON), described the claims as “a classic case of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,” implying that the governor is seeking to benefit from efforts he did not contribute to.
The outspoken APC chieftain made it clear that he strongly opposes any move by Governor Otti to join the party, warning that such a step could destabilize the APC in Abia. “Our party already has enough internal challenges,” he said. “Allowing Governor Otti to come in now would be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back. He should stay in the Labour Party, because getting the APC governorship ticket won’t be that easy.”
Okoh further stressed that the APC in Abia was built through the hard work and sacrifice of loyal members and should not be hijacked by newcomers. “We will not stand by and watch Dr. Alex Otti walk in from nowhere to take over what others have laboured to build. If he tries it, we’ll resist it with everything we have, because we know he’s not coming to strengthen the party—he’ll only destroy the unity we’ve built.”
The statement follows reports that Governor Otti has been in talks with APC leaders, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, ahead of a possible defection. However, Otti’s spokesperson, Ferdinand Ekeoma, has denied the rumors, insisting that the governor remains a committed member of the Labour Party and is fully focused on delivering good governance to Abians.
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, also dismissed the reports, saying, “It is nothing more than a rumor—and we hope it stays that way. We are in constant communication with our governor, and he has assured us that he’s not going anywhere before 2027.”
Reaffirming MYCON’s position, Chief Okoh said his group will ensure that Governor Otti does not disrupt the APC’s internal progress. “The APC in Abia was built by committed stakeholders, including former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. There will be no case of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,” he emphasized.
The rumors about Otti’s alleged defection have fueled political tension in Abia State, with many observers predicting that the development could reshape the state’s political landscape in the coming months.
