Former All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives aspirant, Chief Daniel Okeke, has reaffirmed his support for the party’s candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa, despite his recent defection to the Labour Party (LP).
Okeke made the declaration during a visit to Ukwa at his country home in Amaekpu Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, shortly after the 2026 Ohafia New Yam Festival.
The former APC chieftain, who attended the cultural celebration as a special guest of honour, said his decision to join the Labour Party would not affect his personal commitment to Ukwa’s ambition to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027.
Speaking during the visit, Okeke explained that he deliberately visited Ukwa’s residence to publicly reaffirm his political position and demonstrate his commitment to what he described as the need for Ohafia to complete its tenure in the National Assembly.
“Even though I have gone to the Labour Party, Hon. Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa is my candidate and he has my support for the Federal House of Representatives, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency,” Okeke declared.
“I am in his house today to make a statement, to reaffirm my support for him to complete the tenure of Ohafia in the House of Representatives.”
Okeke further pledged to mobilise his political contacts, supporters and resources to strengthen Ukwa’s campaign, particularly in Ututu, Isu, Ihechiowa and other communities across Arochukwu Local Government Area.
He expressed confidence in his ability to rally grassroots support for the APC candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration comes days after Okeke formally left the APC for the Labour Party, citing his admiration for the administration of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
At the time of his defection, Okeke explained that his decision to join the Labour Party was influenced by what he described as the governor’s developmental achievements and his desire to support the administration’s efforts in Abia State.
His latest declaration, however, indicates that his support for Governor Otti and the Labour Party at the state level does not necessarily extend to every electoral contest.
By publicly backing Ukwa, an APC candidate, Okeke has signalled his willingness to support candidates across party lines based on his personal political convictions and constituency interests.
The development also highlights the increasingly complex political alignments emerging in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as politicians and stakeholders continue consultations and realignments.
The Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency contest is expected to attract considerable political attention as parties intensify preparations for the forthcoming National Assembly election.
Okeke’s declaration is particularly noteworthy because reports published following his October 18 defection indicated that he intended to support Labour Party candidates across Abia North. His reported endorsement of Ukwa therefore represents a significant clarification of his position on the Arochukwu/Ohafia House of Representatives contest.
Okeke, who contested the constituency’s House of Representatives seat on the APC platform in 2023, has also been appointed to the Abia State Labour Party Campaign Advisory Council ahead of the 2027 elections.
