The member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).
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Obasi disclosed his decision on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the Nvosi country home of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, following a closed-door meeting with the governor.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, alongside some of Obasi’s supporters, including former Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga; former Ohafia LGA Chairman, Princess Grace Agbara; and Chief Ndukwe Orji Agu (ABROMA), among others.
The three-term lawmaker said his decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by the visible developmental projects being executed by Governor Otti across the state.
According to him, the governor’s achievements have made it easier for politicians to defend their mandates and campaign effectively before their constituents.
“I officially came here to identify myself with the Governor of Abia State because I want to properly join him in the Labour Party due to the works he is doing in Abia State,” Obasi said.
He cited the ongoing Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia road project as one of the projects that convinced him that the administration is delivering on its promises.
“The works are visible. If I go to my constituency, people will ask me who constructed the road to Abiriba. It is the Governor of Abia State,” he stated.
Obasi further revealed that internal crises within the PDP and what he described as a lack of clear leadership direction also influenced his decision to leave the party.
“I’m leaving PDP because we no longer have a leader. Some members have their legs in other parties such as ADC and APC. In the Abia State House of Assembly, I am one of the last men standing in the PDP,” he said.
The lawmaker added that many of his supporters and political associates from Ohafia North and beyond would soon join him in the Labour Party.
He noted that a date for their formal defection would be announced in due course, expressing confidence in his political base in Ohafia.
“When the time comes, people will see them. We own that constituency and I am a third-term House member. Before you become a third-term member, you know what it takes. I am on ground,” he said.
