‘Worst Is over in labour party,’ says Otti after convention

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has declared that the most turbulent phase in the Labour Party is over, insisting there is “no victor, no vanquished” following the party’s just-concluded National Convention.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja while observing the maiden inaugural meeting of the party’s newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), which emerged from the 28 April convention held in Umuahia.

The convention produced a new NWC led by Nenadi Usman, marking a major leadership shift after months of internal crisis that threatened to fracture the party.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor expressed optimism about the party’s future, stating, “The worst is over. We can’t see anything worse than what we have seen in the past.”

Call for unity and discipline

The governor urged the new leadership to operate with unity of purpose and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions, stressing the need for coordinated communication.

“The party must speak with one voice through appropriate channels,” he said, adding that leadership must be rooted in service and not personal ambition.

He also commended the National Convention Planning Committee for organising what he described as a peaceful and rancour-free exercise.

Reconciliation in motion

Governor Otti revealed that reconciliation efforts within the party have already begun yielding results, with members of previously opposing factions returning to the fold.

“If you followed the convention, over 25 state chairmen of the former group attended, and some were returned as members of the newly elected NWC,” he disclosed.

He added that the party remains open to further reconciliation, including the possible return of former national chairman Julius Abure.

“In these disagreements, we declared that there were no vanquished and no winners; everybody is a winner… we are now reconciling and reintegrating,” he stated.

2027 elections in sight

The Abia governor affirmed that the party is preparing to fully participate in the 2027 general elections, projecting renewed strength and unity.

He assured the new leadership of his continued support, as well as that of party members nationwide, in rebuilding the Labour Party as a credible political force.

Members of the NWC, in their remarks, commended Governor Otti for his role in stabilising the party during its most difficult period.

They described his leadership as instrumental in preventing a collapse, noting that he remained committed despite political pressure and opportunities to defect to other parties.

The committee pledged loyalty to the party and vowed to justify the confidence reposed in them.