Otti Meets LP NEC in Abuja, Calls for Unity After Court Ruling

The Governor of Abia State and leader of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Alex Otti, on Saturday held a meeting with members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja.

The meeting came a few days after a court ruling affirmed that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Otti said discussions focused on rebuilding the party’s structure and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of forthcoming activities.

He disclosed that preparations had begun for party congresses and a national convention.

“Very soon the congresses will happen and the national convention will also take place,” Otti said, adding that the congresses are expected to hold in March.

The governor also revealed that the NEC discussed the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members, noting that a committee has been set up to oversee the process.

“The other major issue discussed is the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members. A committee has been set up and very soon that will also start,” he stated.

Otti expressed regret over the exit of the party’s former leader and presidential candidate in the last general elections, Peter Obi, but wished him well.

“We also regretted the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate of the party. While we regret the exit, we wish him well,” he said.

He acknowledged that the party had lost some members to defection, including a few members of the National Assembly, but insisted that the Labour Party remains resilient.

“We’ve also lost a few members to defection, even some members of the National Assembly. But despite all that, this party remains strong,” Otti noted.

According to him, the NEC resolved to set up a reconciliation committee to bring back aggrieved members, stressing that the timing would be advised by the interim National Working Committee (NWC).

“The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who is waiting and desires to come back,” he said.

Otti also appealed to Julius Abure and his team to return to the party and embrace its rules.

“We also appeal to Julius Abure and his team to sheath their swords and come back to the party. If they are able to subject themselves to the rules of the party, we will be happy to see them back,” he added.

The governor said the party’s doors remain open to new members but disclosed that the Labour Party would not participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections.

Despite the challenges, Otti assured Nigerians that the Labour Party remains focused and would emerge stronger.