As the political realignment continues ahead of the 2027 general elections, Barr. Ikechi Omelihu on Monday dumped the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress, APC, citing the impoverishment of Abia people by the LP-led government in the state.
Announcing his defection at Amapu Ngwa in Isiala Ngwa North before over 1,000 supporters, Omelihu said his decision was driven by what he described as the hardship Abians are facing under Governor Otti.
He alleged that things have changed under the Otti administration, citing the increased cost of tax clearance and local government clearance for indigenes seeking enlistment into the Army.
He further stated that subsidy removal is yielding results and that the Federal Government is releasing funds to states, but alleged that some governors are mismanaging the money.
Omelihu claimed that the cost of obtaining an original certificate under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was N1,500 but has now risen to N5,000. He described the current government as oppressive and urged the people to vote it out.
Omelihu also declared that the APC governorship candidate, Eric Opah, will be the next governor of the state. He recalled that he made a similar proclamation that Ikpeazu would become governor and it came to pass.
He said he had also seen in a dream a mammoth crowd that signals Opah’s victory. He urged those who are undecided not to be deterred by crowd size, adding that the current administration is impoverishing Abia.
Speaking on behalf of a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Christopher Enwerenmadu, his brother, Brave Enwerenmadu, dismissed speculations that his elder brother had defected to the Labour Party. He said no such thing happened.
He assured the APC candidate for Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency that with the defection of Barr. Omelihu, Ngwa Ukwu Ward 5 is ready to secure victory for him and all APC candidates.
Responding, the APC candidate for Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Chief Uzoma Ihuka, described Omelihu as a man of his word. He said the APC is rejoicing because sincerity has spoken and that good things are coming.
He assured the people of Isiala Ngwa that as a federal lawmaker, he would not ask them to come to his gate for tricycles. Instead, he said he would attract federal institutions so they could work and be useful to their families.
Ihuka said they came to welcome Omelihu into the party and urged all to continue working for the party, assuring that victory is secured.
With the defection of Barr. Omelihu, the Labour Party has lost its hold of Ngwa Ukwu Ward 5 in Isiala Ngwa North.
© Ikeoha Media Team
Abia LP Loses Ngwa Ukwu Ward 5 as Omelihu Dumps Party For APC
