Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking the end of a long political association with the party. His resignation, dated August 5, 2025, comes only days after a widely publicized meeting with the current Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
During the meeting, Oko Chukwu praised Governor Otti for what he described as exemplary leadership and transformative development in the state. He went further to state that Otti had already earned himself a second term in office come 2027, a remark that sparked discontent among PDP members in Abia.
According to The Nation, the public commendation for Otti, who is a member of the Labour Party (LP), did not sit well with PDP stakeholders. Shortly afterward, Oko Chukwu was removed from all the PDP stakeholders’ groups in Abia State. Party insiders explained that his removal was linked not only to his comments but also to what they perceived as his waning interest in party activities.
Several PDP members in Abia said they had observed the former deputy governor’s absence from numerous party events in the state, particularly in Abia North and Ohafia. They claimed this pattern, coupled with his recent remarks, signaled a clear disengagement from the party’s affairs.
Some party faithful suggested that Oko Chukwu may be preparing to join the Labour Party following reports of unsuccessful talks with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) both within and outside the state. These speculations gained traction after his meeting with Governor Otti, a political figure with whom he appeared to share cordial relations.
In his resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of Ndi Elu Ward, Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area, Oko Chukwu cited personal reasons for his decision to leave the PDP. He stated that resigning from the party was the best course of action for him at this stage of his political journey.
Expressing gratitude, Oko Chukwu acknowledged the opportunities the PDP had given him over the years, including his time as Deputy Governor and previously as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly. He noted that his tenure within the party allowed him to gain valuable experience and knowledge, and he thanked the party for its support during his years of service.
The resignation marks a significant political shift in Abia State, where the PDP has historically been a dominant force but has recently faced defections and growing competition from the Labour Party and APC. Observers say Oko Chukwu’s move could have ripple effects in local political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, especially if he formally declares for the Labour Party.
For now, the former deputy governor has not publicly confirmed his next political destination, but his departure from the PDP underscores the shifting loyalties and realignments that continue to reshape Abia’s political landscape.
