The lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has left the All Progressives Grand Alliance to join the Labour Party.
Ikwechegh made this known on Tuesday, March 3, while speaking with journalists after a private meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The federal lawmaker said his visit was to formally inform the governor about his decision to join the Labour Party and to seek his support as the party’s national leader.
“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 stated.
He confirmed that he had resigned from APGA before taking up membership of the Labour Party.
The lawmaker also dismissed reports suggesting that he had defected to the All Progressives Congress after recently meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the meeting was only to attend an Iftar gathering hosted by the President.
“There have been speculations that after I met with the President, I joined the APC. This is not true.
“We went to observe the Iftar with the President, and I appreciate him for that fatherly gesture.
“I do not have anything against my brothers and sisters who have decided to join the APC or the City Boys group.
“What I would say is that politics is about interest. There could be a figure nine before you and a figure six in front of you; it all depends on your perspective,” Ikwechegh stated.
He said his decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by the performance of Governor Otti, whom he described as a result-oriented leader.
Ikwechegh explained that his political beliefs align with the governor’s leadership approach, adding that visible development across the state encouraged his move.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s leadership, commending the roles played by Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
He noted that Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system requires a strong opposition to promote accountability and strengthen governance.
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Ikwechegh further encouraged residents of Abia State and Nigerians across the country to join the Labour Party, stating that an online registration link would soon be provided.
Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency and Leader of the Labour Party caucus in the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, welcomed Ikwechegh into the party.
Onwusibe said Ikwechegh had resigned from APGA last week before joining the Labour Party and noted that the party’s caucus in Abuja had already received him before his formal presentation to Governor Otti.
“As caucus leader, I came with him to demonstrate clearly that he is now a member of the Labour Party,” he said.
He described the development as a major gain for the party and expressed optimism that it would strengthen the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Onwusibe added that Ikwechegh’s decision was influenced by Governor Otti’s performance and the work of Labour Party lawmakers representing Abia in the National Assembly.
Comparing the move to a football club signing a talented player, he said the addition would further strengthen the party’s ranks.
“We are very happy that he is now in our family. This is one of the best signings the Labour Party has made, and it will manifest in the 2027 election.
“He saw the good works of the governor and the work of Labour Party members in the National Assembly from Abia State are doing, like Amobi Ogah and others. Very soon, he will also make his own contributions.
“So he feels he is better off in this family than where he was,” Onwusibe stated.