Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) did not participate in the opposition political summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where talks were held on presenting a joint presidential candidate for 2027.
LP distances itself from Ibadan coalition meeting
Speaking in Umuahia on Wednesday, Otti clarified that the Labour Party was not part of the gathering attended by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
He said the party remains focused on strengthening its internal structure nationwide rather than joining any external political arrangement.
Party insists on independent presidential ticket
Otti stressed that the Labour Party will not collapse its structure into any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that the party is preparing to field its own presidential candidate and will continue to build its grassroots base across the country.
“We were not part of it” — Otti
Addressing journalists, the governor said the party had no involvement in the Ibadan summit.
“Unfortunately, we were not part of the summit. We will hold a convention. So, we are not bound by what happened there. We did not attend,” he said.
He added that any eligible party member interested in contesting would be given the opportunity to run under the party’s platform.
Reconciliation within Labour Party
Otti also spoke on ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, noting that steps are being taken to rebuild unity among members.
He said the party is working to reintegrate aggrieved members, including former national chairman Julius Abure, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal cohesion.
Focus on party structure ahead of 2027
The governor reaffirmed confidence in the current National Working Committee, led by the Usman faction, to steer the party forward in the coming years.
He also dismissed suggestions of any merger or alignment with other political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC).