By Ayomide Otitoju
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that the Labour Party (LP) has formally informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plans to conduct party congresses and a national convention as part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Otti said preparations are already underway for the congresses scheduled for March, including the revalidation of existing members and registration of new ones. “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,” he said.
Otti expressed regret over the departure of former party leader and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, while wishing him well. He acknowledged that defections, including some from the National Assembly, have affected the party but reaffirmed LP’s commitment to rebuilding and emerging stronger. “We have 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,” he added.
Addressing internal disputes, Otti urged former National Chairman Julius Abure to work with other stakeholders to strengthen the party instead of pursuing prolonged legal battles. He also announced that LP will not participate in the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in February due to time constraints.
The governor clarified that the party has no plans to form any political coalitions, focusing instead on internal consolidation and institutional rebuilding.
The briefing was attended by LP 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).
LP rose to national prominence during the 2023 general elections, especially in the presidential race, but has since struggled with leadership disputes, court cases, and defections affecting its internal stability.
