Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Sunday said the Labour Party deeply regrets the exit of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing his departure as a major loss at a time the party is facing internal challenges. Otti spoke 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 the Trade Union Congress.
The meeting came shortly after a faction loyal to former national chairman Julius Abure criticised the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee. Otti said despite losing Obi and some other members to defection, including lawmakers, the party remains strong and determined to rebuild.
He explained that following a recent court ruling in the party’s favour, the new leadership has resolved to pursue reconciliation and restore internal harmony. As part of this effort, he said a reconciliation committee would be set up to reach out to aggrieved members, including Abure and his supporters, provided they are willing to follow party rules.
Otti also stated that the party has no plan to join any external opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the Labour Party already represents a broad movement of Nigerian workers and progressive-minded citizens.
He praised INEC for complying with the court judgment by updating its records to reflect the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee. According to him, the party has begun preparations for congresses at ward, local government, state, and zonal levels, which are expected to start in March 2026 and lead to a national convention.
The governor added that the party would also commence a revalidation of membership and the registration of new members, noting that committees have been set up to oversee the process. He further disclosed that the Labour Party would not be participating in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory council elections.
Despite the challenges, Otti assured supporters that the Labour Party would emerge stronger and called on Nigerians who share its ideals to join the party.