The Labour Party (LP) has extended its majority in the Abia State House of Assembly following the defection of a lawmaker from the main opposition party, further consolidating the governing party’s control over the 24-seat legislature.
Godwin Adiele, the elected member for the Ukwa West constituency, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a plenary session on Wednesday. Adiele, a long-time PDP figure, stated that his decision was driven by the performance of Governor Alex Otti, who was elected on the LP platform in March 2023. He expressed his intention to align with the governor’s administration to support its governance agenda.
With Adiele’s switch, the LP now holds 19 seats in the Assembly, a decisive increase from its initial count. The PDP, which began the current legislative term with a plurality, has been reduced to four members. The All Progressives Congress (APC) retains one seat.
This realignment reflects the shifting political landscape in Abia State since Governor Otti’s election, which ended decades of PDP dominance in the southeastern state. The LP’s expanded majority is expected to smooth the passage of the governor’s legislative priorities and policy initiatives. The defection underscores the diminishing influence of the PDP in the state assembly and highlights the ongoing consolidation of power around the LP-led state government.
