No fewer than 228 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the Labour Party in Aba South, Abia State.

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa who is the member representing Aba South, disclosed this in a statement following a reception held at the Aba South Local Government Council Headquarters.

Emeruwa said the defectors, described as “prominent leaders” of the PDP, were formally welcomed into the Labour Party amid growing support for the party across the state.

“It is on record that many party members in opposition parties are already admirers of the Labour Party in spirit, and they have long praised our administration before formally joining,” he stated.

He noted that the new entrants are experienced politicians with strong grassroots influence, adding that their decision reflects increasing confidence in the leadership of Alex Chioma Otti, Governor of Abia State.

Emeruwa also expressed appreciation to key stakeholders who attended the event, including former member of the House of Representatives Chimaobi Ebisike, Special Assistant to the Governor Kingsley Nwaigburu, and the Mayor of Aba South LGA Obialor Anyanwu, among others.

According to him, the mass defection is a boost to the Labour Party’s strength in Abia and reinforces its resolve to secure the re-election of Governor Otti in 2027.

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The Abia State Government has officially launched the full rollout of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment system for the Green Shuttle Bus Service, in a move aimed at modernising public transportation across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transportation under Governor Alex Otti, is designed to deliver a seamless, transparent and efficient commuting experience for residents.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, described the rollout as a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to build a digital and accountable transport ecosystem.

How the Abia Connect Card Works

The Abia Connect Card, also known as the Abia State Card, eliminates the challenges associated with cash payments, including delays, disputes over change and revenue leakages.

“We are intentionally moving away from the hassles of cash transactions. With the Abia Connect Card, commuting becomes as simple as a single tap. It is efficient, reliable, and designed to ensure our public transport system works effectively for everyone,” the statement read.

Residents can obtain their first card free of charge at designated Green Shuttle terminals and authorised agent locations across the state. Applicants are required to present their ABSSIN (Abia State Social Identification Number). Those without an ABSSIN can register through the Abia Pay portal.

After topping up the card with a minimum of ₦50, commuters simply tap it on the payment device when boarding a bus. A confirmation sound indicates successful payment. The card does not expire, and funds loaded onto it remain valid indefinitely.

Fare Structure

The Green Shuttle Service operates both inter-city and intra-city routes.

Inter-city fares are:

• ₦800 for Aba–Umuahia
• ₦1,000 for Umuahia–Ohafia

For city routes within Aba and Umuahia, passengers pay a flat rate of ₦150.

Boosting Transparency and Efficiency

The state government said the cashless system is expected to improve transparency, curb revenue losses and enhance operational efficiency within the public transport sector.

“Our objective remains clear: to make Abia State’s transport system a model of innovation, efficiency, and transparency in Nigeria. I encourage all residents to obtain their cards and be part of this transformative journey toward a smarter Abia,” the statement added.

The rollout marks another step in the state’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at strengthening service delivery and public accountability.

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The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, declaring that governors of the region are committed to developing the South East through collaboration.

Uzodinma made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the visit on Thursday, January 2, 2026, at the Abia State Government House.

“This Is Not a Political Visit” – Uzodinma

The Imo governor stressed that his visit was not politically motivated, but purely a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year.

“I did not come for political reasons, though we are politicians. I came to pay a New Year visit to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well,” Uzodinma said.

He added that the visit was also an opportunity to pray together for wisdom and strength to serve the people better in 2026.

“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here.”

South East Governors Committed to Regional Development

Uzodinma reiterated that governors of the South East are united in their resolve to move the region forward.

“We in the South East are determined to develop the region, and the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said.

According to him, his role as Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum requires constant engagement with fellow governors to share ideas and align strategies for the benefit of the region.

“The five of us, governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria, and that is what we are working on,” Uzodinma assured.

The Imo governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East, commended Governor Otti for what he described as quality governance in Abia State.

Otti: Different Parties Don’t Mean Opposition

Responding, Governor Alex Otti thanked Uzodinma for the visit and equally dismissed suggestions that it had political undertones.

“This is not necessarily a political visit. But because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” Otti said.

The Abia governor stressed that belonging to different political parties does not amount to opposition within governance.

“You can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of. When people mistake different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark,” he stated.

Otti explained that government at all levels federal, state and local must work together once decisions are taken in the national interest.

He reaffirmed Abia State’s alignment with the Federal Government and described the visit as a symbol of unity and cooperation.

Dignitaries at the Visit

Governor Uzodinma was accompanied by former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among other aides. Senior officials of the Abia State Government, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and cabinet members, were also present.

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Abia State has launched Nigeria’s first state-owned electric bus fleet, commissioning 20 electric Green Shuttle buses on Monday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

The initiative, which is expected to expand to 100 electric buses by next year, is aimed at reducing urban carbon emissions, improving public transportation, and easing movement for residents, particularly during the festive season.

The zero-emission buses will operate free of charge until January, allowing residents and businesses to benefit from cleaner and more affordable transportation. The move comes amid increased holiday travel, following the provision of free buses from cities such as Abuja and Lagos that enabled many Abia indigenes to return home for Christmas.

Speaking during the launch, state officials described the project as a major step toward sustainable urban mobility and environmental responsibility, positioning Abia as a pioneer in green transportation at the sub-national level in Nigeria.

Former Minister of Finance and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is in the state for the Christmas holidays, commended the initiative, describing it as forward-thinking and aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration has continued to receive praise for infrastructure development across the state, particularly ongoing road rehabilitation projects and urban renewal efforts. However, reactions to the electric bus rollout have been mixed, with some residents calling for faster expansion and clearer operational guidelines beyond the initial free period.

State authorities have assured residents that the programme will be expanded and improved based on feedback, as Abia positions itself as a leader in sustainable public transport in Nigeria.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has cautioned individuals plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election results to first “write their wills” before embarking on such a dangerous mission.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the governor emphasized that his statement was not a threat but a caution informed by intelligence reports suggesting that some displaced politicians are boasting about plans to “write” election results in 2027.

“This is not a threat but a warning. If you are planning to write election results in Abia, please write your will first,” Otti declared.

He dismissed remarks attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, noting that power ultimately belongs to God.

“I do not have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 in 2025. But I know that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wants. We should not speak when the Lord has not spoken,” he said.

Governor Otti advised Kalu to focus on his duties at the National Assembly, adding that there was no animosity between them despite the Deputy Speaker’s repeated public criticisms.

“My relationship with the Deputy Speaker didn’t start with politics. This is the second time he has publicly attacked my administration. I forgive him, but I think he suffers from what I call ‘Information Deficiency Syndrome.’”

He further clarified that according to the Protocol Act of 2000, the sixth position in Nigeria’s political hierarchy belongs to the Deputy Senate President, not the Deputy Speaker.

On Governance and Infrastructure

Governor Otti commended the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for its consistent efforts in maintaining a cleaner environment across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

“We are now moving to the next phase of waste management — recycling and turning waste into wealth,” he said, disclosing ongoing engagements with investors and institutions to actualize the plan.

The governor also announced progress in reviving key moribund industries, including Star Paper Mill, Aba Textile Mill, and Modern Ceramics, through collaborations with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and other stakeholders.

“Government is an enabler. Our goal is to revive these industries, hand them to professionals to run as private entities, and create jobs for our people,” Otti stated.

Education and Health

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector, revealing that over 5,395 new teachers have been deployed across the state, with plans to recruit an additional 4,000 due to rising enrollment.

He also highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery, including the reconstruction of general hospitals and recruitment of over 774 healthcare professionals, with applicants coming even from other African countries.

“We are building a health system powered by renewable energy to ensure every community has access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Power and Infrastructure Expansion

Governor Otti announced the installation of nearly 8,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state and ongoing projects aimed at achieving steady electricity supply in Aba, Umuahia, Bende, and Ohafia.

“When Aba Power reaches its full capacity of 188 megawatts, excess power will be distributed to Umuahia and other parts of the state. Light brings development, and darkness disappears where there is light,” he said.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Senator Dave Umahi, recently commissioned eight newly completed roads in Abia, with more infrastructure projects including the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and Ihechiowa Ring Road set to begin soon.

On Defection Rumours

Governor Otti debunked speculations about plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he remains committed to his principles.

“You don’t take decisions simply because others are taking them. We are not people who follow the crowd,” he affirmed.

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