•Alex Otti and Peter Obi
The Labour Party has taken decisive steps to clarify its leadership direction and political future, affirming Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, as its national leader.
The announcement positions Otti —currently the party’s most prominent elected office holder — as the central rallying figure for the LP’s structures nationwide.
In the same breath, the party formally wished its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, well following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The NWC, in a unanimous decision, affirmed its recognition of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, as the National Leader of the Labour Party.
“The National leadership of the Labour Party wishes His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi well in his future political endeavours and in his new political party,” ,” the communique read in part.
While stopping short of overt recrimination, the statement marks a clear turning point, signalling Labour Party’s intention to move forward independently of the political movement that crystallised around Obi during the last general election.
Usman As Chairman
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) also announced the recognition of Nenadi Usman as its national chairman, a move aimed at stabilising internal leadership and reasserting organisational authority.
LP explained that the party reaffirmed the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which held that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party had elapsed.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Usman and its National Secretary, Nwokocha, all rights and privileges in line with the court verdict recently cited by the electoral body.
“The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall hold accordingly, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution. Members at all levels are therefore encouraged to actively participate in the congress processes,” the LP said.
New Direction
By elevating Governor Otti as national leader, the party appears keen to anchor its identity around tangible governance performance rather than personality-driven politics.
Otti’s administration in Abia State has frequently been cited by party loyalists as a practical demonstration of Labour Party’s policy promises in action.
Obi’s exit, though widely anticipated, represents a symbolic end to the 2023-era coalition that propelled the party into national prominence, particularly among young voters and the diaspora.
His move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reshapes opposition alignments ahead of future elections, while leaving the LP to redefine its ideological footing and grassroots strategy.
With new leadership affirmed, the party faces the immediate task of reconciling aggrieved members, consolidating its state chapters, and translating its reformist image into sustainable political structures.
