Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has stated that the Labour Party (LP) did not participate in the recent opposition leaders' summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where discussions reportedly focused on a possible joint presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
LP Distances Itself from Ibadan Summit
Speaking after a meeting of the party's National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, Otti clarified that the Labour Party was not involved in the gathering organized by opposition groups. According to him, the party is not bound by any resolutions reached at the Ibadan meeting as it was not represented.
“Unfortunately, we were not part of the summit. We will hold a convention. So, we are not bound by what happened there [in Ibadan]. We did not attend,” he said.
LP Insists on Fielding Presidential Candidate
Otti reaffirmed that the Labour Party would present its own presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, stressing that the party remains independent in its electoral decisions. “We are a political party. So if you are a party member and want to run, we will give you a ticket,” he added. He noted that the party is open to internal competition and democratic processes in selecting its flag bearer.
Reconciliation Move within Labour Party
The governor also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to reconcile aggrieved members of the party, including former National Chairman Julius Abure. He said the leadership had mandated the NWC to rebuild unity within the party and bring back estranged members. “It is part of the charge that we gave the national working committee to reconcile and bring back as many people as possible, and that it is happening,” Otti stated.
Labour Party Rules Out Merger Plans
Otti further dismissed speculation that the Labour Party was considering merging with any other political platform ahead of the 2027 elections. He insisted that the party remains committed to strengthening its structure under the current leadership and will not dissolve into any other party, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development comes amid increasing political realignments among opposition parties as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
