The Labour Party (LP) has formally affirmed Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as its National Leader and recognized a change in its national leadership, marking a significant development in the party’s internal reorganization.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in Abuja following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
In a communiqué issued by the LP National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, the NWC stated that it unanimously recognized Governor Alex Chioma Otti as the National Leader of the Labour Party. The committee also confirmed former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s National Chairman.
According to the communiqué, the decisions were taken in line with a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman had expired. The NWC said the ruling provided the legal basis for the recognition of new national leadership.
The committee subsequently called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognize Nenadi Usman and the party’s National Secretary, and to accord them all rights and privileges associated with their respective offices.
The NWC further reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, stating that all party congresses and the National Convention would be conducted strictly in accordance with the Labour Party constitution.
Party members at all levels were encouraged to actively participate in the forthcoming congress processes, which the leadership described as crucial to strengthening party structures ahead of future electoral contests.
The party also addressed the recent political move by its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The NWC described Obi’s action as a personal political decision and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Amid reports of internal disagreements within the party, the NWC said it had not confirmed any such claims and stressed that no official statement had been issued to support them.
The party urged members and supporters to disregard unverified reports and rely solely on official party communications and court-backed decisions, particularly during periods of leadership transition.
The Labour Party maintained that it remains united and focused on its core objectives. The leadership emphasized the importance of stability, legal clarity, and internal cohesion as the party navigates its next phase, advising stakeholders to avoid misinformation in an increasingly sensitive political environment.