Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plans to conduct congresses and a national convention as part of efforts to reposition the party and strengthen internal cohesion.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Saturday during a press briefing while addressing issues arising from recent engagements and resolutions reached by party stakeholders. He noted that preparatory activities are already underway ahead of the congresses scheduled for March.
According to the governor, the party has also begun arrangements for the revalidation of existing members and the registration of new ones, describing the exercise as a necessary precursor to the congresses and the national convention.
“INEC has been notified that very soon the congresses will take place. The national convention will also hold. A committee has been set up for the revalidation of members and the registration of new members, and this will soon take effect,” Otti said.
The governor expressed regret over the exit of the party’s former leader and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while wishing him well in his future endeavours.
“We regret the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. While we regret it, I wish him well,” he said.
Otti acknowledged that the party has also lost several members to defections, including some members of the National Assembly, but stressed that the Labour Party remains committed 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 must come together and become a stronger force,” he added.
As part of efforts to resolve lingering internal disputes, the governor said the party is calling on its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, to join hands with other stakeholders to strengthen the party rather than pursue prolonged court cases.
He also disclosed that the Labour Party would not participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February, citing time constraints as the reason.
“The party regrets that it will not be able to participate in the upcoming FCT local council elections due to the tight timeline,” Otti said.
The governor further clarified that the Labour Party has no plans to enter into any political coalition, noting that the party’s focus remains on internal consolidation and institutional rebuilding.
Other party leaders present at the meeting included the chairman of the LP Caretaker Committee, 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 following its strong performance, particularly in the presidential contest.
However, the party has since faced leadership disputes, court cases, and defections that have affected its internal stability.
