BREAKING: Southeast Governor Set To Join APC; ‘…A Decision Has Been Taken’

The recent visit by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to Abia State Governor Alex Otti has sparked renewed speculation about Otti potentially joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This visit took place shortly after Governor Otti’s December media chat, where he clarified that he would not be defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Instead, Otti emphasized his commitment to revitalizing the Labour Party, which provided him with the platform to become governor, stating that he would only consider other options if his efforts did not yield positive results.

Political analysts and commentators pointed out that this marked Senator Uzodinma’s first visit to Governor Otti since he assumed office in 2023. Many speculate that the meeting was strategically aimed at consolidating the APC’s influence in the Southeast, particularly since Abia and Anambra are currently the only states in the region led by opposition parties.

Analysts suggest that Governor Uzodinma and APC leadership are working towards transforming the Southeast—a region traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—into a stronghold for the APC.

While Senator Uzodinma contended during conversations with journalists that his visit was not politically motivated, but rather a New Year greeting, the timing and context have fueled ongoing discussions about the political landscape in the Southeast.

“So, my visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well.

“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here” Gov. Uzodinma i stated.

The Imo State Governor said that the Southeast Governors are determined to develop the region, and would do that through collaboration.

“We in the South East, we are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration.

“And as the Chairman of the South East Governor’s Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss with them, share ideas, and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive.

“The five of us, Governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria. And that is what we are working on”, Gov. Uzodinma assured.

Governor Uzodinma, who doubles as the Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum commended Governor Alex Otti for the good governance he is delivering in Abia State.

The host Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, thanked his guest for the visit and explained that the visit is not politically motivated.

He said that belonging to different political parties should not be misconstrued as opposition.

“This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics.

“But then, I think what is most important from what he has said is that government is one. You have the national, the sub-national, and then the local governments. And I made the point that you can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of.

“So, when people mistake an issue of different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark.

“You can disagree, and there are forum for disagreement. But once a decision has been taken, you are part and parcel of that decision” Gov. Otti stated.

The Abia State Chief Executive affirmed that the State government is part of the Federal government, re-emphasizing that what Gov. Uzodinma has come to do is to wish him a happy New Year, adding that he appreciates the visit.

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma was accompanied to the visit by the former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim among others, while the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and other cabinet members were present at the visit.