The Labour Party (LP) has affirmed Governor Alex Otti of Abia State as its national leader, following the defection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday, 7 January, at the end of the LP National Working Committee meeting. Darlington Nwokocha, the LP national secretary, signed the communique. The meeting was held virtually.
“The NWC, in a unanimous decision, affirmed its recognition of Governor Alex Otti as the National Leader of the Labour Party.
“The National leadership of the Labour Party wishes Mr Peter Obi well in his future political endeavours and in his new political party,” the communique stated.
Mr Otti stated in December that he would rather remain in the LP and assist the party in resolving its challenges, rather than defecting alongside Mr Obi.
“I am not leaving the Labour Party. My responsibility is to stay and contribute to fixing whatever problems exist,” he said.
As its new national leader, Mr Otti is expected to oversee the rebuilding of the LP after a protracted leadership crisis which prompted many of its members, including some federal and state lawmakers, to defect to other political parties. Some more LP members recently defected with Mr Obi to the ADC.
The LP, in the communique, referenced a 7th January 2026 INEC press release in which the commission reaffirmed the 4th April 2025 Supreme Court judgement that sacked Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman. It urged INEC to recognise Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha as the party’s national chairperson and secretary, respectively, and accord the two all rights and privileges attached to their offices.
The meeting, chaired by Ms Usman, a former senator, deliberated on field reports from the ongoing nationwide membership revalidation and registration exercise, and preparations for the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention.
“The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall hold accordingly, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution. Members at all levels are therefore encouraged to actively participate in the congress processes. The Labour Party leadership remains committed to ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive congresses.
“The NWC noted the recent expressions of interest by certain individuals to contest elective positions under the platform of the Labour Party. The party observed that this growing interest reflects the increasing confidence Nigerians have in the Party,” the communique stated.
