The Governor of Abia State and leader of the Labour Party, Alex Otti, on Saturday met with members of the National Executive Committee of the party in Abuja, a few days after a court affirmed that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.
The meeting was aimed at addressing the internal affairs of the party and charting a new course following recent developments.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Otti disclosed that 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 him, preparations would begin with the congresses scheduled to be held in March.
“We’ll begin with preparation for congresses that will happen in March,” Otti added.
The governor said the NEC also deliberated on the revalidation of party membership and the registration of new members nationwide.
He disclosed that a committee had been set up to oversee the process.
“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.
Regret Over Obi’s Exit
Otti expressed regret over the exit of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate in the last general elections, Peter Obi, noting that the party wished him well despite his departure.
“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 Abia State governor acknowledged that the party had lost some members to defection, including members of the National Assembly, but insisted that the Labour Party remained strong.
“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.
Otti disclosed that the NEC resolved to set up a reconciliation committee to bring back aggrieved members, adding that the interim National Working Committee would advise on the appropriate time to constitute the panel.
“We also decided that we need to set up a reconciliation committee. But the interim NWC will advise us on when to set up that committee,” he explained.
“The whole idea is to reconcile everyone who is waiting and desires to come back.”
The governor 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. If they’re able to subject to the rules of the party, we will be happy to see them back,” he said.
He further assured Nigerians and prospective members that the party’s doors remained open.
“We also want to tell those who want to join the party that our doors are open to receive them,” Otti added.
Otti, however, announced that the Labour Party would not be participating 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 said.
Despite the challenges, the Abia State governor expressed confidence that the Labour Party would emerge stronger and more united.
He assured Nigerians that the party was focused on rebuilding and positioning itself as a formidable political force going forward.