The All Progressives Congress has suspended its planned ward, local government and state congresses in Abia State, a move that has fueled fresh speculation about a possible defection by 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, the party’s National Working Committee formally notified the commission of its decision to halt the exercises earlier scheduled to take place across the state.

The correspondence was jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru. The party said the suspension followed ongoing consultations and the need to complete key administrative and preparatory processes.

According to the letter, the congresses have been put on hold until further notice to ensure what it described as an orderly, transparent and credible conduct of the internal party elections.

“The All Progressives Congress hereby formally notifies the Independent National Electoral Commission that the State, Ward and Local Government Congresses of the party, earlier scheduled to hold pursuant to the approved timetable of activities, have been suspended until further notice,” the letter stated.

It added that a new timetable would be communicated to the commission in due course in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and other applicable regulations.

While the party did not directly connect the decision to any planned political realignment, the development has intensified talks that Otti — currently the only governor elected on the platform of the Labour Party — may be considering a switch of party affiliation.

Party sources in Abia were quoted as saying the suspension may be part of broader strategic consultations aimed at accommodating new entrants and restructuring the party ahead of future elections. However, neither the APC leadership nor the governor has officially confirmed any defection plans.