Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said he is unbothered by what he described as the “noise” from opposition party members in the state.

Otti made the remark on Tuesday while receiving a delegation led by the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Nnamdi Ibekwe, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ruling Labour Party in the state.

According to the governor, many of those in the opposition who claim they are coming to contest elections are not serious contenders.

He said their motives are to seek recognition, negotiate political benefits, or project themselves for the future.

“We are not bothered about the oppositions and their noise. There are different reasons why people show up (for elections).

“Sometimes, they just want recognition—that their names showed up for the primaries—knowing fully well that they will not win the election.

“Some of them also come for negotiations, and then of course, some others also show up for projections. They look at themselves and say, ‘If I start the noise in 2025, maybe by 2040 they will know that I have been in the race and they will call me and recognise me,’ so they are projecting themselves”, Otti stated.

He noted that his focus remains on the mandate given to him by the people, and his response to opposition criticism is to deliver tangible results across the state.

“People are making noise, but I respond with work. We are very committed to the job that our people asked us to do. We are doing just that. For us, governance is about stewardship and leadership. And that is what is keeping us here,” he said.

Speaking further, Otti congratulated Ibekwe on his decision to join the LP, stressing that it was a voluntary move made without pressure.

He reiterated that his administration does not prioritise political affiliations in governance, but is focused on delivering good governance to all Abians.

He added that the party is inclusive and welcoming, noting that Ibekwe has become a ranking member of the party.

He also announced that an official reception would be organised in his honour.

Earlier, Ibekwe said he was attracted to the Labour Party because of Otti’s achievements, which he described as unprecedented.

“This is the best time for Abia people”, he said, while praising the governor’s visionary leadership and assured him of his full support and that of his supporters toward the governor’s 2027 re-election bid.

Ibekwe was accompanied by key stakeholders from Bende North State Constituency, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Labour Party stalwart, Chief Uwakwe Maduka; former Commissioner for Boundary Matters, Mr. Mascot Obike; and the Abia State APC spokesperson, Mr. Okey Ezeala, among others.

[Punch]