APC Suspends Abia Congresses Amid Speculation Over Alex Otti’s Alleged Planned Defection

The party assured INEC that a revised timetable would be communicated in due course in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant regulations guiding political parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended its scheduled state, local government and ward congresses in Abia State, a move that comes amid growing speculation about 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) notified the electoral body of the decision to halt the congresses earlier slated to hold in the state.

The letter, jointly signed by the 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 certain preparatory and administrative processes.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby formally notifies the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the suspension of the State, Ward and Local Government Congresses of the Party, earlier scheduled to hold pursuant to the approved timetable of activities until further notice,” the letter read.

It added, “This decision was taken following ongoing consultations and the need to conclude certain preparatory and administrative processes to ensure the orderly, transparent, and credible conduct of the Congresses in the State.”

APC

The party assured INEC that a revised timetable would be communicated in due course in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant regulations guiding political parties.

Although the APC did not expressly link the suspension to any political realignment, the development has intensified speculation within political circles that Abia State Governor Alex Otti may be considering a move to the ruling party.

Sources within the party in Abia told SaharaReporters that the halt in the congress process could be part of broader strategic consultations aimed at accommodating new entrants and recalibrating the party’s structure in the state ahead of future elections.

However, neither the APC leadership nor Governor Otti has officially confirmed any ongoing defection talks.

Political observers say the suspension of the congresses at this stage suggests that internal negotiations may be underway, particularly given the timing of the announcement and the reference to “ongoing consultations” in the letter to INEC.

If Governor Otti, the only Labour Party Governor in the country, were to defect, it would mark a significant political shift in Abia State and potentially alter the balance of power ahead of the next electoral cycle.

SaharaReporters learnt that the All Progressives Congress had also suspended its scheduled state, local government, and ward congresses in Adamawa State amid speculation that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party may defect to the ruling party.