The Labour Party has formally recognised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as its national leader in the wake of the departure of its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of a National Working Committee meeting held virtually on Wednesday, January 7. The document was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha.
According to the communiqué, the NWC unanimously resolved to affirm Otti’s leadership role within the party, while also extending goodwill to Obi following his defection.
“The National Working Committee, in a unanimous decision, affirmed Governor Alex Otti as the National Leader of the Labour Party. The party wishes Mr Peter Obi well in his future political pursuits and in his new political platform,” the statement read.
Otti had earlier ruled out leaving the party, insisting that his focus remained on stabilising and rebuilding the LP amid internal challenges.
“I am not leaving the Labour Party. My duty is to stay back and help resolve the issues confronting the party,” the governor said in December.
With his new role, Otti is expected to spearhead efforts to reposition the party after a prolonged leadership crisis that led to the exit of several members, including lawmakers at the federal and state levels. The recent defection of Obi and other members to the ADC has further reshaped the party’s internal dynamics.
The NWC also referenced a January 7, 2026 press release by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which reaffirmed the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, removing Julius Abure as national chairman of the party. The LP urged INEC to formally recognise Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha as national chairperson and national secretary, respectively, and grant them full rights attached to their offices.
The meeting, presided over by Usman, a former senator, reviewed reports from the party’s ongoing nationwide membership revalidation and registration exercise, as well as preparations for upcoming congresses and the national convention.
The party leadership reiterated its commitment to conducting all congresses and the national convention in line with the party’s constitution, urging members at all levels to actively participate in the process.
The NWC also noted increasing interest from Nigerians seeking to contest elective offices on the Labour Party platform, describing the development as a sign of growing public confidence in the party
