LABOUR PARTY GAINS MOMENTUM IN UKWA EAST AS HON. CHIBUNNA AKARA WELCOMES APC STALWART PAUL TARIBO

A former member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo, has officially defected to the Labour Party alongside his supporters in Ikwueke East Ward, Ukwa East Local Government Area. Taribo, who previously served as Deputy Majority Leader in the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, was formally received by party leaders and stakeholders during a political gathering in the ward.

The reception ceremony was attended by the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Chibunna Akara, who joined Labour Party leaders and members to welcome the former lawmaker into the party. The event marked a significant political development in the area, as party stakeholders described Taribo’s defection as a major boost to the Labour Party’s grassroots strength.

Speaking during the event, Taribo expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended to him and his supporters. He explained that his decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by the developmental strides of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, and his desire to contribute to the governor’s re-election bid in 2027. He pledged loyalty to the party and promised to mobilise support to strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in Ikwueke East Ward and across Ukwa East.

Taribo also cited confidence in the leadership and vision of Governor Otti and Hon. Chibunna Akara as critical factors behind his decision to defect. He assured party leaders that his political experience and network would be deployed to advance the party’s growth and consolidation within the local government area.

In his remarks, Hon. Akara described Taribo as a valuable addition to the party, noting that the Labour Party maintains an inclusive structure that accommodates both new and old members. He encouraged party leaders and stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts by recruiting individuals who share the party’s vision, particularly in preparation for future electoral contests.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, the current member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, expressed optimism that the growing strength of the Labour Party in the area would support the re-election of Governor Otti. He added that continuity in governance would attract further development projects to Ukwa East communities.

Obianyi commended the leadership of the Labour Party in Ukwa East for maintaining an open and welcoming platform for new members. He also lauded Hon. Akara for fostering unity and synergy among party stakeholders, describing the ongoing political realignment as beneficial to the local government’s development agenda.

According to a press statement released by Comrade. Justice Enyinnaya Nwaubani the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman,Ukwa East Local Government Area, the event attracted several political figures and stakeholders, including the Deputy Mayor of Ukwa East, Dr. (Hon.) Thelma Inglis-Ekeke; Labour Party State Financial Secretary, Hon. Elvis Wabara; Chairman of the Labour Party in Ukwa East, Comrade Clement Nwankwo; Mrs. Teresa Ijeoma Oxford Nwabara PhD and other political leaders, councillors, and party stakeholders from across the local government area.