According to Governor Otti, the Labour Party’s coalition is inherent in its structure, representing a broad spectrum of Nigerian workers and citizens with progressive ideals. “Labour is already a coalition.
Basking in the euphoria of the recognition accorded the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker of the Labour Party (LP), by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the Party is already operating as a coalition.
Governor Otti, who stated this on Saturday at a press briefing shortly after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of LP in Abuja, however said that the Labour Party has no intention or plans to merge with or join any other political Party.
In the words of Otti; “The Labour Party’s coalition is inherent in its structure, representing a broad spectrum of Nigerian workers and citizens with progressive ideals. Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive like-minded. So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans”.
The Abia State Governor further said that the Labour Party is not just a party, but a movement for workers, progressives, and for citizens who believe in inclusive governance.
Otti further said; “Our coalition is not about political expediency—it is about the people who believe in the ideals of the party and in the values that we stand for”.
The NEC meeting of the Party in Abuja was convened a few days after a legal development that reshaped the leadership of the party at the national level following a Federal High Court judgement in Abuja which affirmed the sack of the Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party.
The court had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the leadership of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the legal national leadership of the party.
Governor Otti also confirmed that INEC has complied with the court’s directive by removing Abure’s name from its official website and replaced with that of Senator Usman.
He said; “INEC has obeyed the court order, and the leadership of the party is now under the capable hands of Senator Nenadi Usman. This demonstrates our commitment to the rule of law and proper governance within the party.”
The legal dispute surrounding the party’s leadership had caused some internal tension, but Otti’s comments sought to reassure party members and supporters that the Labour Party remains united and focused on its objectives.
Governor Otti described the NEC meeting of the Party as a productive session that reinforced the party’s commitment to workers’ rights, progressive governance, and national development and expressed confidence in the stability of the party under Senator Usman’s leadership.
According to Otti; “The party is resilient. Legal challenges will always arise in politics, but what matters is the direction and vision of the party. Under Senator Usman’s caretaker committee, we are confident that the Labour Party will continue to grow and serve as the voice of Nigerian workers and progressive citizens.”
