Abia State Governor and Labour Party leader, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the departure of the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as regrettable, saying it represents a significant loss amid ongoing leadership disputes.
Otti made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with members of the party’s Board of Trustees, leaders of the National Caretaker Committee, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
The meeting came a day after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, calling the decision hasty, prejudicial, and intended to undermine the party’s leadership.
Speaking on Obi’s exit, Otti said the party wished him well in his future political endeavours.
“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,” he said. “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 added that the party intends to rebuild internal cohesion following its recent court victory and has plans to establish a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved members, including the ousted national chairman, Julius Abure.
“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,” he said. “We also want to tell those who want to join the party that our doors are open to receive them.”
Otti confirmed that the party would not participate in the forthcoming FCT council elections and dismissed speculation that the Labour Party might join an emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
He also commended INEC for complying with a Federal High Court judgment by recognising the Usman-led National Caretaker Committee.
“The major matters discussed included the organisation of congresses from the ward to the zonal level, culminating in the national convention. We have also set up committees for membership revalidation and registration of new members, with plans to prepare for the congresses starting in March,” Otti said.
