- Otti Speaks on Obi’s Exit as Labour Party NEC Maps Out Congresses
- Otti confirms membership revalidation and reconciliation committee decision.
- Party opts out of forthcoming FCT council elections.
Abia State Governor and Labour Party leader, Alex Otti, on Saturday met with members of the party’s National Executive Committee in Abuja, days after a court affirmed that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.
The meeting focused on addressing internal party matters and outlining steps to reposition the Labour Party following recent developments.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Kano: ‘I Will Not Abandon Kwankwaso’ – Gov Yusuf’s Aide Resigns
- 5 Health Risks Men Face After Age 40
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking to journalists after the meeting, Otti said the NEC resolved to commence preparations for party congresses and a national convention.
“Very soon the congresses will happen and the national convention will also take place,” he said.
According to the governor, preparations will begin with congresses scheduled to hold in March.
“We’ll begin with preparation for congresses that will happen in March,” Otti added.
He said the NEC also discussed the revalidation of party membership and the registration of new members nationwide, noting that a committee had been constituted to oversee the exercise.
“The other major issue discussed is the revalidation of membership and the registration of new members. A committee has been set up and very soon that will also start,” he said.
Otti expressed regret over the exit of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the 2023 general elections, while wishing him well in his future political engagements.
“We also regretted the exit of the former leader of the party and former presidential candidate of the party. While we regret the exit, we wish him well,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged that the party had lost some members to defection, including members of the National Assembly, but insisted that the Labour Party remained resilient.
“We’ve also lost a few members to defection, even some members of the National Assembly. But despite all that, this party remains strong,” Otti said.
He added that the NEC resolved to set up a reconciliation committee to engage aggrieved members, noting that the interim National Working Committee would determine the appropriate time to constitute the panel.
“The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who is waiting and desires to come back,” he said.
Otti also appealed to Julius Abure and his supporters to return to the party and embrace peace.
“We also appeal to Julius Abure and his team to sheath their swords and come back to the party,” he said.
The governor further assured Nigerians that the party remained open to new members but announced that the Labour Party would not participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory council elections.
“Finally we regret that we’ll not be able to participate as a party in the forthcoming FCT council elections,” he added.
