Otti Sets Conditions for Abure’s Return as Labour Party Begins Rebuilding After Court Ruling

Abia State Governor and national leader of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Alex Otti, has moved to reassert control within the party, declaring that the ousted factional National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his supporters can only be readmitted if they formally recognise and submit to the Nenadi Usman-led Interim National Working Committee (NWC).

Otti’s stance follows the January 21 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which removed Abure from office after months of internal disputes that paralysed the party’s activities and damaged its public image.

In line with the ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) subsequently delisted Abure’s executives from its records and officially recognised the Interim NWC headed by Nenadi Usman. The move ended months of parallel leadership that left the party unable to function effectively, field candidates, or speak with one voice.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night, Otti struck a firm but conciliatory tone, insisting that the era of factionalism in the Labour Party must come to an end.

“Once they are willing to abide by the rules of the party, we would be happy to receive them,” Otti said, urging Abure and his supporters to “sheath their swords” and return under the party’s constitutional framework.

The governor spoke after a meeting of the expanded National Working Committee held at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. The gathering was attended by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and members of the party’s Board of Trustees.

The meeting followed a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which reaffirmed that political parties must strictly adhere to their constitutions in resolving internal disputes. Acting on that decision, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court later declared Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the party pending the conduct of a national convention.

INEC’s update of its portal to reflect the Interim NWC was described by Otti as a major turning point.

“For the first time in months, the Labour Party can now move forward,” he said.

According to the governor, discussions at the meeting focused on rebuilding collapsed party structures nationwide. Approval was granted for Ward, State, and Zonal Congresses ahead of a national convention, while a nationwide membership revalidation and registration exercise is expected to begin in March.

Despite the reset, Otti acknowledged the political cost of the prolonged crisis, confirming that the party would be unable to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

“It is painful, but unavoidable,” he said, attributing the setback to the leadership crisis and conflicting court orders that had previously constrained the party.

The Labour Party leadership now hopes that the post-court restructuring will restore unity, strengthen its grassroots presence, and reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests.