Labour Party in Turmoil After Peter Obi’s Exit, Otti Announces March Congresses
“The Labour Party is grappling with internal restructuring following Peter Obi’s exit, as Abia Governor Alex Otti announces March congresses, membership revalidation, and reconciliation efforts after court ruling on party leadership.”
There are growing indications that the departure of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Peter Obi, has plunged the party into a period of internal disarray.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Governor of Abia State and Labour Party leader, Dr. Alex Otti, on Saturday met with members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, days after a court affirmed that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.
The meeting, according to Otti, was convened to address pressing internal challenges and reposition the party following recent legal and political developments.
Speaking with journalists after the NEC meeting, the governor disclosed that the party had resolved to commence preparations for nationwide congresses and a national convention.
“Very soon, the congresses will happen and the national convention will also take place,” Otti said.
He added that preparations would begin with party congresses scheduled for March.
“We’ll begin with preparation for congresses that will happen in March,” he stated.
Otti also revealed that the NEC deliberated extensively on the revalidation of party membership and the registration of new members across the country, noting that a committee had been constituted to oversee the process.
“The other major issue discussed is the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members. A committee has been set up and very soon that will also start,” he explained.
REGRET OVER PETER OBI’S EXIT
The Abia governor expressed regret over the exit of Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, but wished him well in his future political pursuits.
“We regretted the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate. While we regret the exit, we wish him well,” Otti said.
He acknowledged that the party had suffered defections, including the loss of some National Assembly members, but maintained that the Labour Party remained resilient.
“We’ve also lost a few members to defection, even some members of the National Assembly. But despite all that, this party remains strong,” he added.
To address lingering grievances, Otti disclosed that the NEC resolved to set up a reconciliation committee aimed at wooing back aggrieved members.
“The interim National Working Committee will advise on when to set up that committee. The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who desires to come back,” he said.
He also appealed directly to Julius Abure and his supporters to return to the party and embrace peace.
“If they’re able to subject themselves to the rules of the party, we will be happy to see them back,” Otti stated.
The governor reassured Nigerians and prospective members that the Labour Party remains open and welcoming.
“Our doors are open to those who want to join the party,” he said.
However, Otti announced that the party would not participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections.
Despite the current challenges, he expressed confidence that the Labour Party would emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned as a formidable political force in Nigeria.
