Abia State Governor and Labour Party leader, Alex Otti, on Saturday held a meeting with members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, days after a court ruling affirmed that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.
The meeting focused on resolving internal party issues and mapping out a new direction in light of recent developments.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti said the NEC agreed to begin preparations for party congresses and a national convention.
“Very soon, the congresses will be conducted and the national convention will also hold,” he said.
According to Otti, the process will start with congresses slated for March.
“We will commence preparations for the congresses scheduled to take place in March,” he added.
He also disclosed that the NEC deliberated on revalidating party membership and registering new members across the country.
A committee has been constituted to manage the exercise.
“Another key issue discussed was the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members nationwide. A committee has been set up, and the process will begin shortly,” Otti explained.
Regret Over Peter Obi’s Departure
The governor expressed disappointment over the exit of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while wishing him well in his future endeavours.
“We regretted the departure of the former leader of the party and our presidential candidate in the last election. Although we regret his exit, we sincerely wish him well,” he said.
Otti acknowledged that the party had suffered some losses through defections, including members of the National Assembly, but maintained that the Labour Party remained resilient.
“We have lost a few members to defection, including some National Assembly members. Nevertheless, the party remains strong,” he stated.
He further revealed that the NEC resolved to establish a reconciliation committee aimed at bringing back aggrieved members, noting that the interim National Working Committee (NWC) would determine the appropriate time to inaugurate it.
“We agreed on the need to set up a reconciliation committee, but the interim NWC will advise on the right time to do so,” Otti said.
“The objective is to reconcile everyone who is willing and eager to return.”
The Abia State governor also appealed to Julius Abure and his supporters to return to the party and embrace peace.
“We are appealing to Julius Abure and his group to lay down their arms and return to the party. If they are willing to abide by the party’s rules, we will gladly welcome them back,” he said.
Otti reassured Nigerians and prospective members that the Labour Party remains open and inclusive.
“We also want to assure those who intend to join the party that our doors are wide open,” he added.
However, the governor announced that the Labour Party would not take part in the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections.
“Finally, we regret to inform you that the party will not be participating in the forthcoming FCT council elections,” he said.
Despite recent challenges, Otti expressed optimism that the Labour Party would emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned as a formidable political force in the future.