21/05/2026
APC in shock as Ikpeazu’s ex-Chief of Staff defects to Otti’s camp
Political tensions flared in Abia State on Wednesday when Professor Anthony Agbazuere, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, unexpectedly left the APC and publicly supported Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign.
Agbazuere, who recently led a powerful APC strategic committee formed by ex-Governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu to plan the party’s 2027 takeover of Abia, surprised many by leading his supporters directly to Governor Otti’s residence in Nvosi to switch allegiance to the Labour Party.
This move, already causing concern within APC circles, saw Agbazuere openly commend Otti’s accomplishments, stating the Governor’s success prompted him to rethink his political future.
Governor Otti welcomed the defectors, assuring them they would receive equal treatment in the Labour Party and encouraging them to complete their official registration without delay.
This sudden defection is widely viewed as a significant political setback to the APC’s efforts to rebuild in Abia State.