The Labour Party in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State has received a fresh boost ahead of the 2027 general elections following the defection of former NDC House of Assembly aspirant, Engr. Nzubechi Ndufoechi, popularly known as Aguzuby.
Ndufoechi formally joined the Labour Party when he led his parents, siblings, ward coordinators, political leaders and supporters on a visit to the Mayor of Umunneochi, Mazi Sunny Afurobi.
Receiving the delegation, Afurobi described the development as a significant addition to the party’s grassroots structure, saying the Labour Party remained open to individuals willing to identify with its vision and contribute to its growth.
The Mayor said he was delighted when informed of Ndufoechi’s intention to join the party and had directed him to commence the process through his ward.
He commended the new entrant for adhering to due process, noting that his formal entry through Umuaku Ward had been confirmed by the ward chairman, Mr. Ike Kelechi, who led the delegation.
Afurobi said Ndufoechi’s arrival, alongside his family, political team and supporters, demonstrated the depth of support behind the decision and would further strengthen the Labour Party in the ward and across Umunneochi.
He also welcomed members of the Aguzuby Foundation and announced plans for a more elaborate reception involving the Labour Party chairman and other stakeholders from within and outside the local government.
According to him, Ndufoechi had joined a platform where his experience and contributions would be appreciated and put to productive use.
The Mayor used the occasion to commend Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, whom he described as “the pride of Abia State,” for what he called his transformative leadership.
Afurobi said Otti had “changed the dynamics of leadership in Abia State” and given Abians renewed reasons to identify with the state as “God’s Own State.”
He attributed the administration’s progress to accountability, collaboration, transparency and exemplary leadership, adding that Otti had also brought “capacity, tenacity, decency and sanity” into the Labour Party.
According to him, these qualities contributed to the peaceful and rancour-free party primaries previously conducted in the state.
Afurobi said his administration was following the Governor’s example by delivering democratic dividends to Ndi Umunneochi through projects across the various wards.
He disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the installation of a Garri Processing Plant at Obinolu Ngodo Community to process cassava from the 15-hectare farm at Umuada, Ngodo.
He also said the over ₦300 million Pig Farm Project under construction at Amuda Isuochi was nearing completion, describing it as one of the biggest of its kind in the Southeast.
According to him, the project would support pig farming, produce animal feed through its feed mill and create additional agricultural opportunities for residents.
Afurobi assured Ndufoechi that he would facilitate a meeting with other critical Labour Party stakeholders to accelerate his integration into the party structure and enable him and his supporters to join the mobilisation for the party’s victory in 2027.
‘The Waiting Was Over’
Speaking earlier, Ndufoechi said he and his supporters had come to formally inform the Mayor of their decision to join the Labour Party from Umuaku Ward.
The former NDC aspirant said the decision followed careful observation of political developments and governance in Abia State.
He said they had gathered “sufficient evidence” that Governor Otti had changed the old narrative of underdevelopment and ushered the state into a new era of unity, progress, prosperity and development.
Ndufoechi also commended Afurobi for his visible developmental initiatives across Umunneochi.
“The waiting was over,” he declared, explaining that the physical evidence of positive transformation had convinced him and his supporters to join the Labour Party and work for its victory in the 2027 elections.
His father, Deacon Ndufoechi Chibuike, alongside ward coordinators and leaders, said they had decided to follow their political leader into the Labour Party.
They described Ndufoechi as a humble and compassionate leader whose entry, with his supporters, would strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes in Umunneochi.
In his vote of thanks, Umuaku Ward Labour Party Chairman, Mr. Ike Kelechi, thanked the Mayor for the warm reception, guidance and support extended to the delegation.
Kelechi said Ndufoechi’s arrival would make his responsibilities as ward chairman easier, describing the new entrant as a politician with the “capability and capacity” to make the party more formidable.
Councillors, ward leaders, friends, supporters and members of the Aguzuby Foundation attended the visit.
