Abuja, Nigeria – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia state, Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, has dismissed rumors that Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is planning to defect to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Okoh, who is also the National President of Market Youths Congress of Nigeria (MYCON), described the rumors as a “pure case of Monkey dey Work, Barboon dey chop,” implying that Otti is trying to reap where he did not sow.

Okoh, a vocal politician, expressed his opposition to Otti’s alleged plan, stating that the APC already has its own problems and allowing Otti to join the party would be the “last straw that will break the camel’s back.” He advised Otti to remain with the Labour Party, as the APC would not give him the governorship ticket easily.

“Abia state governor cannot just switch over to hijack what other people had laboured for,” Okoh said. “We in APC have put a lot into building it, so we will not stand and watch Dr. Alex Otti come in from nowhere to snatch it from us. But if he dares, we will do all we can to frustrate such hijacking of our party because we know he is not coming for good, he will destroy what we have built.”

Okoh’s statement comes amid rumors that Otti is planning to defect to the APC, with some speculating that he has already held talks with APC leaders, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. However, Otti’s spokesperson, Ferdinand Ekeoma, has denied the rumors, stating that Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is focused on governance.

The Labour Party has also dismissed the rumors, with National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stating that Otti has no plans to defect to the APC. “It is a mere rumour and I hope it remains so,” Ifoh said. “For us in the Labour Party, we are in touch with our governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere ahead of 2027.”

MYCON has vowed to ensure that Otti does not disrupt the APC’s progress, stating that the party was built by dedicated stakeholders, including former Governor Orji Kalu. “There will be no case of monkey dey work, barboon go dey chop,” Okoh emphasized.

The rumors surrounding Otti’s alleged defection have sparked speculation about the future of Abia State politics, with some predicting a major shake-up in the state’s political landscape.