Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has advised the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, to remain steadfast in the Labour Party (LP) regardless of the wave of defections plaguing the party.
Fayose gave the counsel on Sunday while addressing journalists at Otti’s country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Speaking glowingly of Otti’s performance in office, Fayose urged the governor to resist any pressure to decamp, noting that his contributions and identity within the Labour Party had become an institution on their own.
“My governor, don’t decamp; you are an institution here. We are talking about the diversity of Nigeria, a multi-party system. They will say Labour Party — even if everybody leaves, people don’t leave. Remain there. You are the national chairman,” the ex-Ekiti governor said.
In April, Otti dismissed reports suggesting that he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from LP, describing the claims as “false, baseless, and unfounded”.
Amid talks of a re-election bid in 2027, the governor recently declared that he will consult with God first before making his decision.
His visit followed a tour of several key projects executed by the Otti-led administration in Umuahia and Aba.
Speaking further at the state tour, Fayose praised the Abia governor’s achievements, particularly in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education, describing his two-year tenure as impactful and people-focused.
“The ordinary Abian can get such a good job done for them—improving the quality of life and bringing them close to civility. So, I am more than impressed with what I saw. I was able to see some of the community maternity health care centres—some rehabilitated, some built anew and fresh.”
“All sectors we have seen, and it’s quite impressive. I am not given to flattery, but in two years, we can’t say less than good—and a pass mark to a governor that has shown so much zeal for its people.”
Referring to Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Fayose highlighted its transformation, noting that the once impassable route had been reconstructed into a dual carriageway, restoring access and commercial viability.
“Now we are in Aba again. I’ve seen more than eight roads in Aba. This is Port Harcourt Road, which I was made to understand, for 37 years, has been uninhabitable. It’s not motorable. So, a dual carriageway like this is all a commercial city like Aba would need, and it has been put in place.”
He also commended Otti’s introduction of smart schools, pledging to share the concept with his home state, Ekiti.
“The most heartwarming—the one I love the most—is the smart school. I was able to sit down to get these concepts, and I’m equally going to share them with my governor (Ekiti State Governor),” Fayose said.
“The governor has given the leadership back to the people around him, and from what I’ve seen, they have made up their minds to prioritise the needs of the people of Abia, and they are committed to it. I’ve told the governor, the buck will stop at his table. So, starting is not a big deal for anybody—but finishing. So, I want him to stay strong and finish well.”
Otti joined the Labour Party (LP) in May 2022 after unsuccessful attempt to become governor under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
In the highly contested 2023 elections, he won the Abia State governorship seat, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Okey Ahiwe. His victory made him the first—and currently only—Labour Party governor in Nigeria, at a time when the party gained massive youth support.
However, following the 2023 general elections, the LP has faced internal disputes, triggering a wave of defections. In December 2024, four LP lawmakers left for the ruling APC, citing factional issues. They were followed by Alfred Iliya Ajang of Plateau State.