NEWS
BREAKING NEWS: Veteran Political Leader, Chief J. U. Udensi (Udensco), Dumps PDP for Labour Party, Declares Total Support for Otti’s Re-Election
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | October 19, 2026
The Labour Party in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State has recorded a significant political boost following the defection of prominent elder, community leader and businessman, Elder Chief J. U. Udensi, popularly known as Udensco, alongside his supporters and followers, to the party, with a firm declaration of support for the re-election of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in 2027.
The high-profile defection ceremony took place at Chief Udensi’s residence in Ogbor-Hill, Aba, and attracted prominent political stakeholders, party leaders, community figures and supporters who gathered to welcome the respected political figure into the Labour Party fold.
Among the dignitaries present were the Executive Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke; the Labour Party Deputy Chairman for Abia South, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Nwaobilor; the Aba North Labour Party Chairman, Hon. Ebere Odoemelam; Labour Party ward chairmen; the Councillor representing Ogbor I Ward 10, Hon. Alexander Orieaha; Chief Jerry Kalu, popularly known as Oshimiri; and other party faithful.
Chief Udensi, a respected traditional titleholder from Okon-Aku Autonomous Community in Ohafia Local Government Area, holds the revered title of Onwa na Okon-Aku Autonomous Community. He is also a notable community stakeholder associated with the Abia North Citizens Forum, where he has been involved in advocacy for regional political equity and rotational principles.
Despite his roots in Ohafia, Chief Udensi maintains a strong presence in Aba politics, the commercial hub of Abia State, where he has built enduring relationships across business, political and community circles. He is also associated with Udensco Line Nigeria Limited, a longstanding transport and logistics business operating in Aba.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Mayor of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, expressed excitement over Chief Udensi’s decision to join the Labour Party, describing his defection as a welcome development and the fulfilment of a long-standing expectation.
The Mayor disclosed that he had maintained a relationship with Chief Udensi for over 30 years and had consistently made efforts to persuade him to join the Labour Party during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Iheke said he was particularly delighted that the process of welcoming the elder statesman into the party had been handled as expected, noting that he had informed those close to Chief Udensi that he wanted to be among the first people notified whenever the decision to join the Labour Party was made.
He assured the new entrant that he would enjoy the benefits and recognition due to a committed member and supporter of the party, while expressing confidence that his experience, political network and influence would strengthen the party in Aba North.
The Mayor also highlighted the political importance of Ogbor I Ward 10, where Chief Udensi belongs, describing it as a strong and influential ward with a longstanding record of political participation and mobilisation.
In his remarks, the Labour Party Deputy Chairman for Abia South, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Nwaobilor, warmly welcomed Chief Udensi, expressing confidence that his entrance would add value to the party’s political structure.
Dr. Nwaobilor noted that the experience, wisdom and advice of the respected elder would be valuable to the Labour Party, assuring him of the party’s full support and cooperation as he begins a new chapter of political engagement.
In his response, Chief Udensi expressed profound joy over his decision to join the Labour Party, explaining that after more than three decades in the PDP, he had found compelling reasons to align with Governor Alex Otti’s leadership and the ongoing transformation of Abia State.
He identified the visible achievements of Governor Otti’s administration and its intervention in the longstanding crisis affecting his home community of Okon-Aku in Ohafia LGA as major factors behind his decision.
According to Chief Udensi, Okon-Aku, one of the largest communities in Ohafia LGA, had endured years of killings, tension and communal instability before the Otti administration intervened by constituting a seven-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the crisis and recommend lasting solutions.
He recalled that the panel submitted its report to the Abia State Government on May 5, 2026, with recommendations that included the establishment of an inclusive Okon-Aku Community Peace Committee, government takeover of the Erei Farm Settlement, and the investigation and prosecution of individuals implicated in criminal activities.
Chief Udensi expressed satisfaction with the government’s intervention, maintaining that the renewed peace in the community had strengthened his confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to addressing longstanding challenges confronting the people.
He explained that his decision to support the governor’s re-election was motivated by a desire to acknowledge the administration’s intervention in his community and encourage the continuation of its programmes and policies across Abia State.
For Chief Udensi, the move to the Labour Party represents more than a change of political affiliation; it is an endorsement of the leadership style of Governor Otti and a commitment to supporting the continuation of the administration’s development agenda beyond 2027.
The ceremony reached its high point with the formal presentation of the Labour Party flag to Chief Udensi, symbolising his official admission into the party and his commitment to its political ideals.
The defection is expected to strengthen the Labour Party’s grassroots presence in Aba North, particularly in Ogbor I Ward 10, as party stakeholders continue to consolidate their structures and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With Chief Udensi and his followers now joining the Labour Party, the event marks another significant development in the growing political alignment around Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid a
nd the continuation of the New Abia agenda.