PDP Crisis Deepens in Abia as Lawmaker Defects to LP, Senator Akobundu Resigns

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has suffered another political setback following the defection of a member of the Abia State House of Assembly to the Labour Party (LP) and the resignation of a serving senator from the party.

The lawmaker representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, on Wednesday officially dumped the PDP and joined the Labour Party.

Obasi announced his defection shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, at the governor’s country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the lawmaker said his decision to join the Labour Party was largely influenced by what he described as the visible developmental strides of Governor Otti across the state.

According to him, the ongoing infrastructural projects of the present administration have made governance more tangible and easier for political leaders to defend before their constituents.

“I officially came here to identify myself with the Governor of Abia State and to properly join him in the Labour Party because of the works he is doing in Abia State,” Obasi stated.

He specifically cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road as one of the projects that convinced him that the Labour Party-led administration is fulfilling its promises to the people.

“The works are visible. If I go to my constituency today, people will ask me who constructed the road to Abiriba. It is the Governor of Abia State. That is something you can confidently campaign with,” he added.

Obasi also blamed the lingering internal crises within the PDP for his decision to leave the party, alleging that the party has lost a clear leadership direction.

“I’m leaving the PDP because we no longer have leadership. Some members have one leg in ADC, others in APC. If you check the Abia State House of Assembly, I am one of the last men standing in PDP,” he said.

The lawmaker further disclosed that many of his political associates and supporters in Ohafia North would soon follow him into the Labour Party, noting that a date would be announced for their formal defection.

“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 ground,” he maintained.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, alongside several political associates and supporters of the lawmaker, including a former Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga; former Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Princess Grace Agbara; and Chief Ndukwe Orji Agu (ABROMA), among others.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Austin Akobundu, has also resigned his membership of the PDP.

In a letter titled “Notice of Formal Resignation” addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Oloko and dated March 10, 2026, Akobundu announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect.

The senator expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities it gave him to serve in various capacities but attributed his resignation to the persistent internal crises that have plagued the party.

“I have taken time to reflect on my journey with the party and wish to appreciate the opportunities given me to serve in different strategic and critical capacities both in the party and the nation,” he stated in the letter.

“However, at this time of our nation’s political evolution, the sad and seemingly intractable crises that have engulfed the party for so long, and after wide consultations with my associates and supporters, it has become pertinent that I take the very painful but necessary decision to resign my membership of the party.”

Akobundu concluded by wishing the PDP well in its future endeavours.

The twin developments are expected to further reshape the political landscape in Abia State as parties begin early realignments ahead of future electoral contests.