Governor Alex Otti
Abia State Governor and Labour Party (LP) National Leader, Dr. Alex Otti, has ruled out forming opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the Labour Party is already a coalition of workers and progressive-minded Nigerians.
Otti spoke on Saturday during the first National Executive Council (NEC)/stakeholders’ meeting following the INEC recognition of the Nenadi Usman-led leadership of the party.
The meeting, held at the Abia Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, brought together party leaders, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and members of the Interim National Working Committee.
“Labour is already a coalition,” Otti said. “This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people of progressive like-minds. We have no plans to join another coalition. Our strength lies in our identity and our shared vision for progressive governance.”
The governor acknowledged the challenges the party has faced, including the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and several lawmakers, but expressed optimism about the party’s ability to recover and strengthen its structures.
Central to the meeting were strategies to revitalise the party’s organisational structures ahead of 2027.
Plans were unveiled for ward, state, and zonal congresses, culminating in a national convention, alongside a nationwide membership revalidation and registration exercise beginning in March.
Otti also addressed reconciliation within the party, urging members of the sacked Julius Abure faction to “sheath their swords” and return. “Their return will be welcomed if they agree to abide by the party’s rules,” he said.
Despite the progress, Otti regretted that the LP would be unable to contest the forthcoming FCT council elections due to circumstances beyond its control, but expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for future polls.
The Usman-led leadership’s recognition by INEC remains contested. Abure’s faction has vowed to appeal the decision, with former National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh describing it as “a travesty of justice” and insisting the ruling would be overturned.
Political analysts see Otti’s statements as a strong attempt to consolidate the party after years of internal crisis, highlighting a focus on unity, institutional strengthening, reconciliation, and strategic planning.
With membership revalidation, reconciliation initiatives, and a clear electoral timetable, the Labour Party is positioning itself to emerge as a credible, independent political force in Nigeria’s lead-up to the 2027 elections.