The leadership and entire structure of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have formally merged with the Labour Party (LP), currently the ruling party in the state.
This merger was led by the NNPP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, who expressed his full support for Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
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Governor Otti, while receiving the NNPP members, assured them of equal rights and privileges within the Labour Party, emphasizing that the party operates without discrimination.
“Labour Party treats everyone equally, whether you are just joining today or have been here before,” Otti remarked.
The governor thanked Dr. Ukpai for his continued support and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on improving the welfare of Abians.
He announced that the government had begun settling outstanding salary arrears, amounting to nearly 18 billion naira, owed by previous administrations.
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Otti explained that 1.5 billion naira will be released monthly to clear these arrears within a year.
“We are paying back the debts from past governments. Our focus is on the welfare of the people, not on politicians or elites,” Otti stated firmly.
NNPP leaders in the state, including Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai and state coordinator David Urum, praised Governor Otti’s leadership and vision for Abia.
They explained that the decision to collapse the NNPP structure into the Labour Party was well thought out and driven by a shared commitment to progress in Abia State.
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Dr. Ukpai further declared, “This is not just a defection; it is a calculated move to join forces with Governor Otti to move Abia forward.”
The event saw the official presentation of the Labour Party flag to the new members, with many former NNPP candidates and officials in attendance.
It marked a consolidation of political power under Governor Otti’s leadership, with expectations that the merger will strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in Abia State.
