The Abia State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed reports that it has merged with the ruling Labour Party (LP). Chief Ogaranya Ifemeje, the state chairman of the NNPP, categorically refuted these claims, emphasizing that the party remains independent and strong.
The confusion arose after Chief Ukpa Iro Ukpai, the NNPP’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, led a group of people on a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, during which he allegedly announced that the NNPP had collapsed into the LP.
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During the visit, Ukpai praised the governor’s achievements and offered support to his administration.
However, Chief Ifemeje firmly rejected this assertion, clarifying that no legitimate members of the NNPP were involved in the visit.
He described Ukpai and those accompanying him as non-members of the party, stating that the NNPP remains intact and has no plans to merge with any political party.
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“No member of the NNPP has defected to any political party in Abia,” Ifemeje declared. He further challenged Ukpai’s claims, questioning his position in the party.
“If he were truly a candidate of the NNPP, you would have seen him with his supporters and party officials. No NNPP members were present at that visit,” he said.
The state chairman also cast doubt on Ukpai’s credibility, citing the absence of his campaign activities during the last election.
“Did you see his campaign posters anywhere in the state during the election? The NNPP has no reason to be concerned with such individuals,” Ifemeje added.
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In his remarks, Ifemeje advised the Labour Party to focus on resolving its internal issues rather than making false claims about other parties.
He mentioned ongoing divisions within the Labour Party, referencing figures such as Lamidi Apapa, Julius Abure, and Nenadi Usman.
He reiterated that the NNPP remains a strong political force in Abia, asserting, “Abia NNPP is intact, and no member has defected to the Labour Party. The reports of a collapse are entirely false.”
