All Progressives Congress Suspends Abia Congresses Amid Otti Defection Speculatio
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended its scheduled state, local government and ward congresses in Abia State, fueling speculation over a possible defection of Governor Alex Otti to the ruling party.
In a letter dated February 18, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC National Working Committee (NWC) formally notified the commission of the decision to halt the congresses earlier slated to hold in the state.
The letter, jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, stated that the suspension followed “ongoing consultations” and the need to conclude preparatory and administrative processes.
According to the party, the decision was aimed at ensuring the “orderly, transparent, and credible conduct” of the congresses. The APC assured INEC that a revised timetable would be communicated in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and applicable regulations.
Although the party did not directly link the suspension to any political realignment, the development has intensified speculation within political circles that Governor Otti, currently the only governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party, may be considering a move to the APC.
Sources within the Abia APC structure suggested that the pause in the congress process could be part of broader strategic consultations to accommodate potential new entrants and recalibrate the party’s leadership framework ahead of future elections. However, neither the APC leadership nor Governor Otti has confirmed any defection discussions.
Observers note that the timing of the suspension, alongside references to “ongoing consultations,” points to possible internal negotiations within the party.
In a related development, the APC also reportedly suspended its congresses in Adamawa State amid speculation that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party may be weighing a potential switch to the ruling party.
If confirmed, any such defections could significantly reshape political alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
