The representative of Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh, has announced his defection to the Labour Party (LP), dismissing speculations that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He announced his defection in an interview with newsmen in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti.
Ikwechegh said that he visited Governor Otti to inform him about his decision to join the LP and ask for his blessings.
He said: “Well, I visited the governor this evening to receive his blessings.
“As you may or may not know, I have received my Labour Party card as a new member of the party.”
Ikwechegh explained that his decision to join the party was driven by his admiration for the governor’s leadership style and performance.
He described Otti as “an exceptional and result-oriented leader”.
He said his political ideology aligned with that of the governor, adding that his decision was influenced by the visible transformation in the state under his administration.
The lawmaker said he was convinced that the LP remained the right platform for the progressive-minded, commending the party leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
According to him, politics should be about service to the people and not self-aggrandisement or intimidation.
He said that his move was guided by conscience and the desire to contribute to nation-building.
Ikwechegh dismissed reports linking him with APC following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that he only attended an Iftar event hosted by the President, saying: “The visit should not be misconstrued as a defection”.
He said: “There has been speculation that after my meeting with the President, I joined APC.
“This is not true.
“It so happened that we went to observe the Iftar with the President, to wine and dine with him, and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture.
“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters that have decided to join APC or the City Boys group.
“What I would say is that politics is about interest and as I stand before you, there could be a figure nine before you and a figure six in front of you.
“It all depends on how you look at things, the perspective from which you look at things.
“The truth is that if you ask anyone in APC, they will tell you that it is the best party as I believe that LP is the best, but this is a democracy.
“I noticed that there is an article that is going round the country that I am an APC member.
“So I want to tell Nigerians that I am not and that I am now a member of the Labour Party.”
Ikwechegh said that Nigeria operates a multi-party democracy, where opposition plays a vital role in strengthening governance and ensuring accountability.
He further disclosed that he had resigned from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before joining LP.
He urged Abia State people and other Nigerians to join LP, adding that a link for online registration would be made available.
Ikwechegh reiterated his commitment to supporting the governor’s administration, pointing out that “politics should focus on development and service to the people”.
The representative of Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, said that the party was delighted to receive Ikwechegh as its newest member.
Onwusibe, who is also the Leader of the LP Caucus in the National Assembly, confirmed that Ikwechegh resigned from APGA before joining LP.
He said that the LP caucus in Abuja had earlier admitted him into its fold before his formal presentation to the governor, who warmly received him.
“As a caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” he said.
