Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has made a definitive statement regarding his political future, firmly ruling out any plans to defect from the Labour Party. This declaration comes amid confirmed reports that the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, intends to leave the platform.
Otti's Unwavering Loyalty to the Labour Party
Governor Otti addressed the issue directly during his monthly media briefing held in Umuahia on Tuesday. He emphasized that his political commitment remains firmly with the Labour Party, which he described as the vehicle that brought him to power. The governor stated his primary focus is on rebuilding and strengthening the party rather than seeking a new political home.
Otti revealed that Peter Obi had personally informed him of his decision to exit the party. While he respected Obi's choice and offered his blessings, Otti made it clear his own path would diverge. "If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him," Otti explained. "He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party."
Dismissing Calls to Join the APC
The governor also took time to respond to public overtures from the All Progressives Congress. He specifically referenced recent comments by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had openly urged Otti to join the APC. Otti dismissed these calls as distractions that do not merit serious attention.
Otti stated that his administration's priority is governance, not political distractions. He acknowledged Kalu's recent financial support to vulnerable residents in Abia State, thanking him for the gesture. However, he quoted former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to underscore his point: "You will never get to your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks."
Focus on Repositioning the Party
Governor Otti framed his loyalty around the practical reality of his electoral victory. "That is the party that brought me to power," he said. He outlined a clear sequence of events, indicating that discussions about alternative political options could only be considered after sustained efforts to reposition the Labour Party have been exhausted. "If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party," he concluded firmly.
This stance positions Governor Otti as a key figure aiming to stabilize the Labour Party in the wake of Peter Obi's impending departure, setting the stage for potential internal restructuring and reaffirming his commitment to his governance agenda in Abia State.
