In a major political bombshell, a former Legal Adviser and key stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Ugoji Benjamin Eke, has formally dumped the APC and defected to the Labour Party (LP).
Dropping a stark insider account, Barr. Eke alleged serious electoral irregularities surrounding the 2023 Abia North Senatorial election. He alleged that during the 2023 exercise, heavily populated communities across Abiriba, Ohafia, and Arochukwu were effectively disenfranchised and prevented from voting.
Barr. Eke alleged that the current occupant of the seat, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, was declared the winner even when the total number of disenfranchised voters far exceeded the recorded margin of lead. Insisting that such manipulation will never be allowed to recur in upcoming elections, the legal expert declared that his intimate knowledge of these tactics will be deployed to dismantle any future electoral malpractice.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday, 17 August 2026, Barr. Eke noted that his decision followed years of high-level service within the APC hierarchy. His career within the party included navigating the turbulent internal leadership disputes under Chief Donatus Nwankpa and serving as Vice Chairman of an APC Appeal Panel during the 2019 general elections.
“I was deeply involved in the APC; I know the system from within. Now I have chosen a different path and I am out to clean the mess,” Barr. Eke asserted.
He stated that his extensive experience provided him with deep operational insights into the APC’s political strategy and rigging machinery in Abia North, which he is now determined to halt permanently.
Explaining his transition to the Labour Party, Barr. Eke stated that he was inspired by the transformational, people-oriented governance of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose administration has restored public confidence and brought visible development across Abia State.
He pledged his total commitment to the re-election of Governor Otti, as well as the senatorial bid of Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, for Abia North in 2027.
Describing Bourdex as a corruption-free leader of integrity, capacity, and proven entrepreneurial accomplishment, Barr. Eke urged residents across Bende, Arochukwu, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi LGAs to unite behind Bourdex and the Labour Party to secure purposeful representation at the National Assembly.
