Governor Otti Urges Unity in Labour Party, Backs Supreme Court Verdict Amid Leadership Crisis
Amid ongoing leadership struggles within the Labour Party (LP), Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called on party members to set aside differences and unite under the rule of law.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Friday, Otti reaffirmed his support for the Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction and urged the opposing Julius Abure-led group to respect the recent Supreme Court judgment.
Governor Otti, currently the only sitting governor from the LP, emphasized that the apex court’s ruling should be the guiding principle for party actions moving forward.
“As law-abiding people, we believe the Supreme Court’s decision must be obeyed,” he said. “This meeting marks the beginning of a structured rebuilding process. We are here to formalize key committees, including the interim National Working Committee, which will guide our activities until the next national convention.”
Otti stressed that internal bickering must end if the LP is to become a true political alternative for the Nigerian people.
“None of us is bigger than the party,” he added. “We must humble ourselves and work together to reposition the Labour Party as a credible platform for the masses.”
The NEC meeting was attended by notable figures, including Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and loyalists of the Nenadi-led caretaker committee.
In a passionate address, Ajaero warned against individuals claiming leadership positions without the support of the labour movement.
“Anyone parading themselves as LP chairman without labour’s backing is merely daydreaming,” he declared. “When accountability comes, we will disown such impostors.”
The LP has been locked in a leadership crisis since 2023, following the expiration of Julius Abure’s tenure. Abure had resisted moves by key stakeholders including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Governor Otti to install a caretaker committee.
In April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the Court of Appeal erred in recognizing Abure as national chairman, stating that the matter was an internal party affair. The court also held that Abure’s tenure had effectively ended.
Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s full support for the party’s ongoing rebranding efforts.
“This party must be restructured and rebranded. That’s the only way it can fulfill its mission,” he said.
The Labour Party now faces a pivotal moment as it seeks to heal internal rifts and present a unified front ahead of future elections.
