Abia Lawmaker Dumps PDP For LP
The member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Mandela Obasi, has dumped the People’s Democratic Party for the Labour Party.
Obasi disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday at the state governor’s Nvosi country home in Isialangwa South LGA, after holding a closed-door meeting with Governor Alex Otti and the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu and a few of his supporters, including former Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga, former Ohafia LGA Chairman, Grace Agbara, Chief Ndukwe Orji Agu, among others.
The three-term member of the Abia State House of Assembly explained that his decision to join the Labour Party was hinged on the visible works Otti is doing across the state.
He added that the governor’s achievements and ongoing development projects have made it easier for politicians to campaign among their constituents, adding that the Uzuakoli-Akara-Ohafia road is a testament to the governor’s works that one can campaign on.
“I officially came here to identify myself with the governor of Abia State, whom I want to join him properly in the Labour Party, because of the work he is doing in Abia State.
“The works (Governor’s works) are visible. Let’s assume that I am on the other side, if I’m going to my constituency, people will ask me, the road that you drive to Abiriba, who did it? Is the Governor of Abia State.
“I checked very well. A lot of parties (political parties) are coming to me, and I have just made up my mind that I will go to the Labour Party. And the driver is Alex Otti,” Obasi stated.
He also cited internal crises within the PDP, which have left the party in disarray, as one of the reasons for his exit from the PDP, adding that the party no longer has a clear leadership direction.
“I’m leaving the PDP, and the reason why I’m leaving the PDP is that we don’t have a leader any longer.
“Some of us in the PDP, their legs are in the ADC; some in the APC. So, what am I doing there? If you check in the Abia State House of Assembly, I’m one of the last men standing there in the PDP,” he said.
The lawmaker announced further that his supporters and political associates from Ohafia North State Constituency and beyond would also defect with him.
He said a date for the defection of his supporters to the Labour Party would be announced later, assuring that he is very much on the ground in Ohafia LGA.
“When the time comes, people will see them. We own that constituency, and I am a third-time House member. Before you become a third-time House member, you know what it takes. I am on the ground,” Obasi maintained.
