The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the exit of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as extremely unfortunate, acknowledging that his exit signifies a significant loss for the party during its ongoing leadership turmoil.
Otti addressed attendees in Abuja during a gathering with party Board of Trustees members, National Caretaker Committee leaders, and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
The gathering occurred just a day after the Julius Abure faction of the Labour Party criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission’s choice to acknowledge the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, calling the action rushed and biased and asserting that it sought to undermine the party’s leadership.
He said, “We regret the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate of the party. While we regret his exit, we wish him well.
“We have also decided that the party should come together and become a stronger force. We have also lost a few members to defection, including some members of the National Assembly.
“But despite all that, this party remains strong.”
Otti revealed that after the party’s recent legal win, the new leadership decided to seek reconciliation and strengthen internal unity.
He stated that a reconciliation committee would be formed to involve dissatisfied members, including the dismissed national chairman, Julius Abure, but cautioned that such initiatives would only be effective if party regulations were rigorously followed.
He said, “We have decided there is a need to set up a reconciliation committee. The interim NWC will advise us on when to set up that committee. The entire idea is to reconcile everyone who is waiting and desires to return.
“We want to appeal to Julius Abure and his team to sheathe their swords and come back to the party. If they’re able to abide by the rules of the party, we will be happy to see them back.
“We also want to tell those who want to join the party that our doors are open to receive them. Finally, we regret that we’ll not be able to participate as a party in the forthcoming FCT council elections.”
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When questioned if the Labour Party intended to become part of the new opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress before the 2027 general elections, Otti rejected the notion, asserting that the party already functioned as a coalition itself.
He asserts that the party is an independent coalition of Nigerian workers and individuals with progressive ideals.
“Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive and like-minded.
“So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans,” he said.
The Abia governor also commended INEC for complying with the judgment of the Federal High Court by replacing the Abure-led executives with the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee on its portal.
“I am happy INEC also obeyed the court judgment by uploading the names of the leadership of the national caretaker committee on its portal.
“The major matters discussed today included the organization of congresses from the ward to the zonal level, culminating in the national convention. I have also been notified that very soon the congresses will follow.
“The other major issue discussed is the revalidation of membership and registration of new members. The committee has been set up. We plan to prepare very soon for the congresses that will start in March,” he assured.
Obi formally defected to the African Democratic Congress at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.
The ex-governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians and opposition groups to come together in a large national coalition to “save Nigeria from poverty, division, and a decline in democracy.”
Obi equally charged the existing political leadership with state capture, poor economic management, and the gradual decline of democratic principles.
Otti asserted that Obi’s absence would be strongly missed in the Labour Party, even with the defection.
