The growing wave of defections to the Labour Party in Abia State continued on Tuesday as the Executive Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, attributed the increasing influx of members to the transformative leadership and developmental achievements of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
Speaking while officially receiving renowned grassroots mobiliser, Surveyor Dr. Mrs. Baywood Cecilia Nkechi of Eziama Ugwu Ward, Nneato Zone 3, into the Labour Party at the Council Headquarters, Nkwoagu, Mayor Afurobi said the party’s expanding support base reflects the confidence Abians have in the administration of Governor Otti.
The Mayor described the decision of Surveyor Dr. Mrs. Baywood Cecilia Nkechi to join the Labour Party as a significant boost to the party’s grassroots structure in Umunneochi, particularly in Nneato Zone 3.
He expressed confidence that her wealth of experience and influence would further strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the new member to regard the Labour Party as her political home and contribute actively to its growth and consolidation, assuring her that the party remains an inclusive platform that welcomes all progressive-minded individuals committed to the continued development of Abia State.
Also speaking, the Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume (Nwachi), described the development as another major gain for the Labour Party.
He noted that Surveyor Dr. Mrs. Baywood Cecilia Nkechi’s entrance into the party would strengthen its presence not only in Nneato Zone 3 but across Umunneochi Local Government Area and Abia State.
Rt. Hon. Nwachi announced that he would personally accompany the new member to Eziama Ugwu Ward for her formal ward declaration and registration, where she would officially obtain her Labour Party membership card.
He commended Governor Alex Otti and Mayor Sunny Afurobi for providing purposeful, people-centred leadership that continues to attract widespread grassroots support.
In her response, Surveyor Dr. Mrs. Baywood Cecilia Nkechi expressed delight at joining the Labour Party, describing the decision as a natural response to the visible developmental projects being executed by Governor Alex Otti across Abia State.
She also praised Mayor Sunny Afurobi for what she described as his exceptional administrative ingenuity and transformational leadership across the wards of Umunneochi, including Nneato Zone, noting that the impressive performance of both leaders inspired her decision to identify with the party.
The new entrant pledged to deploy her grassroots mobilisation experience and network to strengthen the Labour Party across Umunneochi, assuring members that she would work with other stakeholders to secure overwhelming victories for Governor Alex Otti and all Labour Party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Those present at the reception included the Member representing Umunneochi in the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, Surveyor Ike Orika; the Secretary of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Prof. Nwankwo; the Councillor representing Amuda Ward, Hon. David Mba; the Councillor representing Lokpanta Ward, Hon. Joel Obumneme; and other Labour Party stakeholders.
