Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) remains a strong and relevant political force despite the exit of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Otti spoke on Saturday night at a national working committee (NWC) meeting of the party held in Abuja.
Peter Obi officially left the Labour Party on December 31 to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that triggered fresh conversations about the future of the LP.
However, Otti insisted that the party is far from weakened.
Governor Acknowledges Defections
The governor admitted that the party has experienced some losses following internal disputes and defections.
According to him, a number of lawmakers and interim national committee members have left the party.
Nevertheless, he maintained that these exits have not diminished the party’s strength.
In his words, LP remains “a very strong force” despite the challenges.
Otti said the party recognises the pain of losing prominent figures but is focused on rebuilding and moving forward.
‘We Regret Obi’s Exit’
Speaking directly about Peter Obi’s departure, the governor expressed regret over the decision.
“We regret the exit of our former leader and presidential candidate,” Otti said.
While acknowledging the disappointment, he noted that the party is already taking steps to address the issues that led to Obi’s exit.
“While we regret it, we are working to resolve the problems in the party so that everyone can come together and make the party stronger,” he added.
According to the governor, unity remains the party’s top priority.
Reconciliation Committee in the Works
To address internal disagreements, Otti announced that the NWC has resolved to establish a reconciliation committee.
The committee, he said, will engage aggrieved members and persuade them to return to the party.
“We need to set up a reconciliation committee. The national working committee advised us on how to set up the committee,” he stated.
“The idea is to reconcile everyone who is willing and desires to come back to the party.”
He stressed that the party’s doors remain open to members who are ready to work within its rules.
Call to Abure Faction
In addition, Otti appealed to the faction led by Julius Abure to embrace peace.
He urged Abure and his supporters to return to the party’s fold.
“I call on Julius Abure and his team to sheathe their swords and come back to the party,” the governor said.
“Once they are willing to abide by the rules, we will be happy to receive them.”
According to Otti, peace and dialogue are essential for the party’s survival and growth.
Congresses and National Convention Ahead
Meanwhile, the governor revealed that the party plans to organise congresses across all levels.
The process will begin from the ward level and move up to the national level, starting in March.
He said the congresses will lead to a national convention, which will help reposition the party.
“The congresses will happen, and the national convention will pave the way for the progress of the party,” Otti said.
Furthermore, he disclosed that a committee has been set up to validate the party’s membership register and oversee new registrations.
LP Rules Out Political Coalition
On the issue of alliances, Otti said the Labour Party has no plans to join any political coalition.
He described LP as “a coalition itself.”
“For now, we have no intention of joining any other coalition,” he said.
While wishing Obi well in his new political journey, Otti reiterated that the party remains focused on its independent path.
Court Ruling and INEC Recognition
The governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for updating its website to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led NWC.
He described the move as a major step toward stabilising the party.
Last month, a federal high court in Abuja ruled that the Usman-led national caretaker committee is the authentic leadership of the LP.
The presiding judge, Peter Lifu, also directed INEC to recognise the committee.
However, the Abure-led faction has vowed to appeal the judgment.
