The Labour Party (LP) is facing growing concerns over speculations of a potential mass defection involving some of its prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti. Reports suggest that several members are awaiting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final stance on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the party’s leadership crisis before making their move.
A senior party official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Governor Otti is in advanced discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, his defection is reportedly contingent on specific conditions being met. Otti is said to be seeking assurances from APC leadership, including a right of first refusal for himself and members of his State House of Assembly and National Assembly regarding the 2027 election tickets. While APC has promised to accommodate Otti, extending similar privileges to his lawmakers is seen as potentially destabilizing for the party.
Governor Otti and LP’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, have distanced themselves from the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). Instead, they support the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, which they helped establish. Otti previously encouraged his supporters in Abia State to join other political parties for the Local Council elections, resulting in significant victories for the Zenith Labour Party and the Young Progressives Party in November 2024.
Despite these developments, Otti has maintained his affiliation with LP, stating that he would inform the public if he ever decided to leave. He emphasized that political parties are merely platforms and that internal crises often create opportunities for competitors.
Currently, the LP remains divided, with Senator Nenadi Usman serving as the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, while Julius Abure insists he is the legitimate National Chairman. Both factions await INEC’s decision, which will be influenced by the Supreme Court’s judgment and determine the party’s recognized leadership moving forward.