The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) deepened on Monday as the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) rejected reconciliation efforts initiated by Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, describing the move as insincere and ill-timed.
The Abure faction insisted that the leadership dispute within the party remains unresolved, stressing that ongoing legal processes have not been exhausted.
The faction also accused Governor Otti of playing a major role in triggering the crisis affecting the party.
Speaking on the development, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, dismissed Otti’s reconciliation proposal, questioning both its motive and timing.
“We are not interested in any reconciliation being proposed by Governor Alex Otti because he is largely responsible for the crisis confronting the party today,” Ifoh said. He added that the court ruling being celebrated by the opposing faction was only a decision of a lower court.
“What we saw was a judgment of a court of first instance. Why can’t he wait for the outcome of the appeal before talking about reconciliation?” he asked.
Otti Calls for Unity
Meanwhile, Governor Otti, lamented the exit of the party’s former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, describing it as a major setback for the Labour Party.
He made the remarks in Abuja during a meeting attended by members of the party’s Board of Trustees, leaders of the National Caretaker Committee, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
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Addressing stakeholders, Otti said the new leadership was determined to heal internal rifts and restore unity following its court victory.
“We have agreed that there is a need to set up a reconciliation committee. The interim National Working Committee will advise on the appropriate time to do so. The aim is to reconcile all members who are willing to return,” he said, appealing to the Abure-led faction to reconsider its stance.
Labour Party Rules Out Coalition, FCT Elections
The Abia governor also disclosed that the Labour Party would not take part in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections and has no plans to join a broader opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Labour Party is already a coalition of Nigerian workers and progressive citizens. We have no plan to join any other coalition,” he said.
Otti further commended INEC for complying with the Federal High Court judgment by replacing the Abure-led executive committee with the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee on its official portal.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
