Alex Otti has declared that the crisis that troubled the Labour Party has been resolved, saying the party is now united and ready to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The Abia State governor made the statement on Friday while reacting to the presentation of a free nomination form to him by the party’s National Working Committee at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The nomination form was presented by the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, during a meeting attended by party leaders and supporters.
Speaking after receiving the form, Otti praised the leadership of the party for resolving the prolonged internal disputes that had threatened the stability and future of the Labour Party in recent months.
“I commend Senator Usman for her leadership in steering our party out of the protracted crisis that once plagued it,” Otti said.
The governor stated that the party had successfully overcome legal and political challenges that previously created uncertainty within its ranks. According to him, all major obstacles affecting the party had now been settled, giving members confidence ahead of future elections.
“Today, I am confident that the coast is clear for the Labour Party to move forward into the next general elections, as all legal impediments have been effectively resolved, with no subsisting litigation against our party,” he stated.
Otti also thanked members of the party’s National Working Committee for what he described as a special honour, promising to remain loyal and committed to the growth of the party.
“I sincerely thank the leadership of our great party, including the National Chairman, the National Secretary Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, and all members of the NWC, for this honour. I assure you that I do not take this gesture lightly,” he said.
The governor further pledged not to disappoint the party and promised to continue supporting its development and political progress.
“I pledge never to disappoint the Labour Party and will continue to support it in every possible way,” Otti added.
He dedicated the recognition to the people of Abia State, saying their support and encouragement continued to inspire his administration’s commitment to governance and service delivery.
The statement by Otti comes after months of internal disagreements within the Labour Party following the 2023 general elections, where the party emerged as one of Nigeria’s major political forces.
The Labour Party gained national attention during the 2023 elections largely because of the popularity of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, whose campaign attracted strong support from young Nigerians, professionals and urban voters.
The party recorded major successes during the elections, winning governorship seats, National Assembly positions and state legislative seats in different parts of the country. Otti himself emerged governor of Abia State under the Labour Party platform, ending years of control by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
However, shortly after the elections, the party became divided by internal leadership disputes, legal battles and disagreements over control of party structures.
Different factions within the Labour Party laid claim to leadership positions, leading to confusion among members and supporters. Court cases and public disagreements involving party officials further deepened tensions and raised concerns about the future of the party.
The party’s leadership crisis also sparked reactions from supporters across the country, especially among young Nigerians who saw the Labour Party as a growing alternative to the country’s two major political parties — the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
In recent months, efforts were reportedly made by senior party members and stakeholders to reconcile aggrieved groups and stabilise the party structure.
Otti’s latest comments suggest that party leaders now believe those efforts have succeeded in restoring unity within the organisation.
The presentation of a free nomination form to Otti has also generated political discussions, with some analysts viewing it as a sign of confidence in the governor’s leadership and performance in Abia State.
Since assuming office in 2023, Otti has repeatedly promised reforms in infrastructure, public finance, healthcare and education in the state. Supporters of the governor argue that his administration has focused on road rehabilitation, payment of salary arrears and efforts to improve governance.
Critics, however, say there is still much work to be done in addressing unemployment, insecurity and economic challenges facing residents of the state.
Despite differing opinions, Otti remains one of the most visible Labour Party governors in the country and is widely seen as an important figure in the party’s future political plans.
The governor’s comments about the resolution of the party’s crisis may also boost confidence among supporters who were worried about internal instability within the party.
For the Labour Party, maintaining unity could help preserve the momentum it gained during the 2023 elections, particularly among young voters seeking political alternatives.
The development comes at a time when political activities and early alignments for the 2027 elections are gradually beginning to take shape across the country. Although the next general elections are still some years away, many political parties have already started rebuilding structures and strengthening alliances.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Labour Party have welcomed Otti’s remarks, describing them as a positive sign that the party may finally be moving beyond its internal disputes.
Some party members also expressed hope that the leadership would now focus more on strengthening grassroots structures, mobilising supporters and preparing for future political contests.
For now, Otti appears confident that the Labour Party has overcome one of the biggest challenges it faced after the 2023 elections. With legal disputes reportedly settled and party leaders speaking of unity, attention is gradually shifting toward how the party plans to position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.