A former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Paul Taribo, has defected to the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Nigeria, along with over 200 supporters.
Taribo, who previously represented Ukwa East State Constituency, cited Governor Alex Otti’s achievements and leadership style as the reason for joining the LP.
He expressed confidence in Otti’s vision and developmental agenda, pledging to contribute to his re-election in 2027.
This defection is part of a growing trend of politicians joining the LP in Abia State. Earlier, Hon. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, the only APC lawmaker in the Abia State House of Assembly, defected to the LP, citing internal crises and marginalization within the APC.
Other notable defectors include Hon. Lucky Johnson, a PDP lawmaker, and Hon. Iheanacho Nwaogu, who left the YPP.
The Labour Party now controls 19 seats in the 24-member Abia State House of Assembly, with the PDP holding only four seats.
Governor Otti has welcomed the defectors, assuring them of a level playing field within the party.
