History was made on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Obehie Central School, Ukwa West Local Government Area, as Dr. Eleogu Lucky Nkemakolam, FCAI, alongside 66 political heavyweights from different political parties and hundreds of their supporters, officially joined the Labour Party under the leadership of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
The event, described as a watershed in the politics of Ukwa West and Abia State at large, saw the defection of prominent political figures including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ukwa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, Hon. Adinigwe Ugochukwu Nwoke, former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Ulunwa, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ralph Egbu, Dr Eleogu Nkemakolam Lucky, Hon. Uche Nwaele, Ugoeze Young Ogbonna among others.
Governor Otti, while officially receiving the new entrants, expressed gratitude for their decision to identify with the Labour Party, describing it as a bold step towards building a new Abia anchored on justice, equity, transparency, and people-driven governance.
The State Chief Executive urged more political leaders and their supporters across the State to join hands with his administration in rebuilding Abia for collective progress.
The entry of Dr. Eleogu Lucky Nkemakolam into the Labour Party is particularly significant. A renowned Political Scientist, Academic Don, Corporate Administrator, and Grassroots Mobilizer, Dr. Eleogu brings to the party an exceptional blend of scholarship, administrative competence, and grassroots connectivity.
His defection signals a deepening of the intellectual and ideological base of the Labour Party, while also strengthening its political presence in Ukwa West.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Eleogu declared: “I have chosen to align with Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party because I believe in a new Abia where leadership is service, governance is people-centered, and justice and inclusivity guide our development. The time has come for us to move from promises to progress.”
Dr. Eleogu is celebrated for his decades of academic and professional contributions. As a scholar and consultant, he has mentored the next generation of leaders, shaped institutions, and championed the values of accountability and integrity.
Beyond the lecture halls, he has distinguished himself as a cultural advocate, community organizer, and youth mobilizer which are qualities that position him as a bridge between intellectual leadership and grassroots realities.
Political observers note that his alignment with Governor Otti underscores a shared commitment to transformational leadership and inclusive governance. For Ukwa West, a region with immense untapped potential, his defection represents a fresh wave of political reawakening and an opportunity to mainstream the aspirations of its people into the broader development agenda of Abia State.
The symbolic convergence of vision, scholarship, and governance at Obehie points to the Labour Party’s growing influence in Abia’s political landscape. With Dr. Eleogu and other seasoned leaders now in its fold, the Labour Party is expected to consolidate its hold on Ukwa West, energize its grassroots structures, and chart a new course for development across the State.
As the crowd of supporters cheered during the event, one message rang clear: the jet of progress in Abia has taxied to the runway, and with new forces like Dr. Eleogu on board, it is set for a historic take-off.
