Labour Party Brought Me to Power, I’m Not Defecting — Otti Declares
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has firmly ruled out any immediate plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that his political loyalty remains with the party that provided the platform for his emergence as governor. Otti made this position clear on Tuesday during his monthly media interaction held in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, amid growing political speculation triggered by reports that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, is set to leave the party.
Addressing journalists and members of the public during the media chat, Governor Otti acknowledged that Peter Obi had personally informed him of his intention to exit the Labour Party. According to the governor, he respected Obi’s decision and even offered him his blessings, but stressed that Obi’s move would not dictate his own political future.
Otti explained that his association with the Labour Party predates that of the former Anambra State governor, countering narratives that his political journey within the party was tied to Obi’s influence. He emphasized that his decision to remain in the Labour Party was based on conviction and responsibility, not political pressure or shifting alliances.
“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him,” Otti said. “He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party, and I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party.”
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The governor further noted that the Labour Party played a central role in his electoral victory and eventual assumption of office as Abia State governor. For this reason, he said, it would be inappropriate to abandon the party at a time when it faces internal challenges and requires rebuilding.
According to Otti, his priority is to contribute to efforts aimed at restructuring and repositioning the Labour Party to better reflect democratic values, internal cohesion, and effective leadership. He stated that rather than seeking immediate alternatives, he believes in exhausting all available options to strengthen the party from within.
“That is the party that brought me to power,” the governor said. “I believe that we should fight and get to the end. If we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. For now, I am not defecting to any party.”
Otti’s comments come against the backdrop of heightened political realignments across Nigeria, as prominent politicians weigh their options ahead of future elections. The reported exit of Peter Obi from the Labour Party has fueled speculation about the possible collapse or weakening of the party, particularly following internal disputes and leadership crises that have affected its national structure.
However, Otti’s declaration signals a different approach, one centered on party loyalty and institutional responsibility. By choosing to remain, the governor appears intent on stabilizing the Labour Party within Abia State and contributing to its survival at the national level.
Political observers note that Otti’s stance could have significant implications for the Labour Party’s future, especially in the South-East, where his administration has drawn attention for governance reforms and infrastructural development. His continued presence within the party may help preserve its relevance in the region, even as other key figures chart new political paths.
While the governor left the door open for future discussions should efforts to reform the party fail, he made it clear that any such decision would only come after genuine attempts to resolve existing challenges. For now, Otti insists, his focus remains on governance in Abia State and on sustaining the political platform that facilitated his rise to office.