Political commentator Uzokwe Ndubuisi has censured followers of the Labour Party (LP) for exhibiting what he perceives as a “selective amnesia” in their response to an invitation extended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, encouraging Abia State Governor Alex Otti to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ndubuisi has raised concerns about what he views as hypocrisy among LP supporters, accusing them of overlooking Otti’s history of changing political affiliations. In a released statement, Uzokwe expressed, “Initially, I had reservations about commenting on this issue, but the evident hypocrisy among Labour Party loyalists, who conveniently disregard Otti’s prior switches, is exasperating.”
The analyst recounted the political trajectory of Governor Otti, highlighting that following unsuccessful bids for the governorship of Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2015 and 2019, Otti transitioned to the APC in 2020. However, after failing to secure the APC’s governorship nomination for the upcoming 2023 elections, he aligned with the Labour Party, where he eventually clinched the governorship.
Ndubuisi emphasized, “At times, I am left to ponder how people can ‘forget’ events that never occurred, except through a form of selective amnesia that seems prevalent.”
In his evaluation, Ndubuisi juxtaposed the reactions of LP supporters during Otti’s vigorous campaign in Imo State with their responses to Kalu’s recent overture. He asserted that while Otti was commended for fortifying the LP, Kalu’s outreach was met with a flurry of media criticism, which Ndubuisi suspects was orchestrated by Otti’s camp.
“He was not dubbed a villain. No one resorted to engaging social media influencers to launch attacks against him,” observed Ndubuisi.
The analyst also probed whether Otti would demonstrate the same level of dedication to the Labour Party if he were contesting in Edo State, insinuating the likelihood of renewed controversies arising.
“Let’s observe if he will not pledge to his followers that the LP will assume control of the government house in Edo State,” speculated Ndubuisi.
