Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that the Labour Party (LP) has officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its intention to hold congresses and a national convention, a move aimed at repositioning the party and reinforcing internal unity.
Governor Otti made this known on Saturday during a press briefing where he addressed matters arising from recent consultations and resolutions reached by party stakeholders. He explained that groundwork is already in progress ahead of the congresses slated for March.
According to the governor, the party has also begun preparations for the revalidation of its current membership as well as the registration of new members. He described the exercise as a critical step that must be completed before the congresses and the national convention can be held.
“INEC has been notified that very soon the congresses will happen. The national convention will also take place. A committee has been set up for the revalidation of members and the registration of new members, and very soon that will be in effect,” Otti stated.
The Abia governor also spoke on the departure of the party’s former leader and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressing regret over his exit while extending goodwill to him in his future political journey.
He acknowledged that the Labour Party has experienced a wave of defections, including the loss of some members of the National Assembly, but emphasized that the developments have strengthened the party’s resolve to reorganize and emerge more united.
“We regret the exit of the former leader of the party, the former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. While we regret it, I wish him well.”
“We have also lost a few members to defection, including some in the National Assembly. However, we have resolved that the party should come together and become a stronger force,” Otti added.
In addressing ongoing internal disagreements, the governor disclosed that the party is appealing to its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to rebuild the party instead of sustaining prolonged legal battles.
Otti also announced that the Labour Party would not be taking part in the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February. He attributed the decision to the limited time available for adequate preparation.
“The party regrets that it will not be able to participate in the upcoming FCT local council elections due to the tight schedule,” he said.
The governor further clarified that the party is not considering any political coalition at this time, stressing that attention is firmly placed on internal consolidation and strengthening institutional structures.
The meeting where these resolutions were discussed was attended by several key figures, including the Labour Party’s Caretaker Committee chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and representatives of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The Labour Party rose to national prominence during the 2023 general elections, buoyed by its impressive performance at the polls, especially in the presidential contest.
Since then, however, the party has faced significant challenges, including leadership tussles, court disputes, and defections, all of which have impacted its internal stability and cohesion.
What you should know
The Labour Party is entering a critical rebuilding phase following internal crises that emerged after the 2023 elections.
By notifying INEC of its planned congresses and national convention, the party is signaling a formal return to internal democratic processes. Governor Alex Otti’s comments reflect an effort to stabilize the party, address defections, and heal leadership rifts without resorting to coalitions.
The focus on revalidating members and registering new ones suggests a strategy aimed at renewing the party’s grassroots strength ahead of future electoral contests.
