Labour Party Crisis: How Governor Otti Is Rebuilding the Party, Fixing Leadership Rifts and Planning Fresh Congresses | WATCH VIDEO

The Labour Party has moved decisively to reassert its strength and reorganise its internal structure, following a high-level meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and Interim National Committee chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in Abuja.

The meeting, held on January 31, marked a critical turning point in the party's efforts to stabilise its leadership and reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests. Governor Otti, who addressed journalists after the session, described the deliberations as productive and forward-looking, aimed at restoring unity and rebuilding confidence within the party.

Governor Otti publicly commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Interim National Committee of the Labour Party and for uploading the leadership details on its official website in compliance with a court order. According to him, the recognition provides a legal and administrative foundation for the party to move ahead with long-delayed internal processes.

At the end of the meeting, the NEC and the Interim National Committee reached far-reaching resolutions, including the approval of a comprehensive timetable for the conduct of congresses across the country. The congresses will begin at the ward level and progress through the local government, state and zonal levels, before culminating in a National Convention, scheduled to commence from March 2026.

In addition, the party resolved to immediately commence the revalidation of existing members and the registration of new members, with a dedicated committee mandated to coordinate the nationwide exercise. Party leaders said the move is designed to strengthen grassroots participation and restore the Labour Party's organisational base.

A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to establish a reconciliation committee tasked with reaching out to aggrieved members and factions willing to return to the party. Governor Otti specifically appealed to Barrister Julius Abure and his team to embrace peace and rejoin the party, urging them to put the interest of the Labour Party above personal disagreements.

While acknowledging recent setbacks, including the exit of some elected officials and the inability of the party to participate in the forthcoming FCT election, the NEC insisted that the Labour Party remains resilient and politically relevant. The leadership also expressed regret over the departure of the party's former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, wishing him well while stressing the need for collective unity going forward.

Governor Otti, who is widely regarded as a stabilising force within the party, thanked supporters across the country for standing by the Labour Party during its challenging period. He assured members and Nigerians that the reforms underway would produce a stronger, more united and more competitive political platform.

The developments signal a renewed effort by the Labour Party leadership to close ranks, heal internal divisions and reposition the party as a formidable force in Nigeria's evolving political landscape.

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