Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has firmly denied reports that he is planning to leave the Labour Party, saying he remains loyal to the party that gave him the platform to become governor.
Governor Otti made this clear on Tuesday during his monthly media chat held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. The clarification comes amid growing speculation over his political future following reports that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, is planning to leave the party.
Speaking to journalists, the governor said there was no truth in claims that he was preparing to defect to another political party. He stressed that his commitment to the Labour Party remains strong, despite recent developments within the party at the national level.
According to him, while he is aware of Peter Obi’s decision to leave the party, his own political journey is different and should not be tied to that of any individual.
Governor Otti revealed that Mr Obi personally informed him about his intention to leave the Labour Party. He said he respected Obi’s decision and even gave him his blessings.
“He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings,” Otti said.
However, the governor made it clear that Obi’s planned exit would not influence his own decision to remain in the party. He explained that his membership of the Labour Party started long before Peter Obi joined.
“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him,” the governor stated.
This comment was aimed at addressing claims that many Labour Party leaders and elected officials only joined the party because of Peter Obi’s popularity during the 2023 general elections.
Governor Otti stressed that the Labour Party played a major role in his political success and that he feels a sense of responsibility to remain and help strengthen the party.
“That is the party that brought me to power,” he said.
He explained that instead of abandoning the party during a challenging period, he has chosen to stay and contribute to efforts to rebuild and reposition it for the future.
“I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party,” Otti added.
The governor noted that political parties go through difficult times, but such moments should be seen as opportunities for reform and growth rather than reasons to leave.
Speculation about Governor Otti’s political future intensified after reports emerged that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, was planning to exit the party.
Peter Obi became the face of the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, attracting millions of supporters, especially young Nigerians, who believed in his message of good governance and accountability.
His popularity helped the Labour Party gain national attention and win several seats, including the governorship of Abia State, where Otti defeated candidates from older and more established parties.
Following Obi’s reported decision to leave the party, many observers began to question whether key Labour Party figures, including Governor Otti, would follow the same path.
Governor Otti’s statement has now put those rumours to rest, at least for the time being.
Dr Alex Otti is one of the most prominent members of the Labour Party. Before becoming governor, he had contested for the Abia governorship under different political platforms, but his victory in 2023 came under the Labour Party.
His win was historic, as it marked the first time the Labour Party would produce a governor in Abia State. Many political analysts believe his success was due to a combination of voter dissatisfaction with the traditional parties and the rising influence of the Labour Party at the time.
Since assuming office, Otti has presented himself as a reform-minded leader, focusing on issues such as civil service reforms, infrastructure renewal, and transparency in governance.
Governor Otti said discussions about leaving the Labour Party or joining another political platform should only come after sincere efforts have been made to fix the party’s problems.
“If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options,” he said.
He stressed that now is the time for committed members to come together to strengthen the party’s internal structures and leadership.
The Labour Party has in recent months faced internal disputes, leadership disagreements, and legal battles over control of the party. These issues have affected its unity and raised concerns among supporters.
Otti’s decision to stay, according to political watchers, could help stabilise the party and encourage other elected officials to remain committed.
The governor used the media chat to reassure Labour Party supporters in Abia State and across the country that he remains focused on governance and service delivery.
He urged party members not to be distracted by rumours and speculations, but to remain committed to the ideals that brought the party into the national spotlight.
“For now, I am not defecting to any party,” Otti concluded.
Governor Otti’s declaration is significant at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing frequent defections by elected officials. Party loyalty has often been questioned, especially when politicians move to parties perceived to have more power at the centre.
By choosing to remain in the Labour Party, Otti is sending a message of loyalty and long-term commitment. Whether this stance will hold in the future will depend on how the party resolves its internal challenges and positions itself ahead of upcoming elections.
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