The (PDP) has condemned the recent decision by the to adopt both manual and electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a betrayal of public trust.

The House had previously supported electronic transmission of election results as the preferred method, in contrast to the, which backed a combination of manual and electronic processes. However, lawmakers on Tuesday reversed their earlier stance, accommodating both methods.

Reacting to the development, the PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, criticized the decision, saying it undermines the confidence of Nigeriansin the electoral process.

“This is a clear betrayal of public trust. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives abandoned the pro-people position it had taken and adopted the anti-people version of the Senate,” Ememobong said.

He emphasized that lawmakers, as representatives of the people, must always act in the public interest rather than pursue decisions that could weaken transparency.

“The legislators are delegates of power and should at all times act in the interest of the delegator of power. They are not in parliament to legislate for themselves but to legislate for the people,” he added.

The PDP further warned that the provision allowing both methods could deepen electoral opacity, urging stakeholders and advocates of democracy to oppose the measure.

The ruling Labour Party (LP) has further strengthened its dominance in the Abia State House of Assembly following the defection of Hon. Godwin Adiele, the lawmaker representing Ukwa West constituency.

Hon. Adiele, previously a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally announced his resignation from the PDP and defection to the LP during plenary session on Wednesday. He cited the impressive performance and good governance record of Governor Alex Otti as the primary reason for his decision.

In his statement on the floor of the House, the former PDP stalwart emphasized the need to align with Governor Otti’s ongoing efforts to promote effective and people-oriented administration across the state.

This latest defection marks a significant shift in the political composition of the 24-member Assembly. The Labour Party now commands a strong majority with 19 members, while the PDP’s representation has dwindled to just 4 members. The All Progressives Congress (APC) holds the remaining seat(s).

The PDP had initially enjoyed majority control at the start of the current legislative term following the 2023 elections, but a series of defections, driven largely by support for Governor Otti’s administration, have steadily eroded its influence in the House.

The controversy over Governor Alex Otti not operating fully from the Government House in Umuahia feels misplaced and, frankly, unnecessary.

Government is about function, not symbolism. What should matter to Abians is whether decisions are being made, services are improving, salaries are paid, roads are fixed, and institutions are working. If a governor is accessible, active, and delivering results, the physical chair he sits on should not be the main issue.

Threatening legal action over office location looks more like political distraction than genuine concern for governance. The Government House is public property and a symbol, yes, but it is not the government itself. A governor’s legitimacy comes from the constitution, the mandate of the people, and performance in office, not from sleeping or working in a particular building.

If the Umuahia Government House has issues that affect security, functionality, or efficiency, those should be addressed constructively. Dialogue and solutions make more sense than lawsuits. Abia has far bigger challenges than where the governor’s daily operations are based.

In my view, energy should be focused on holding the governor accountable for results, not on creating side dramas that do little to improve the lives of ordinary people. When leadership is working, symbolism should never be allowed to overshadow substance.

Hon Stanley Nwabuisi
ABSHA 2019-2023