The Labour Party has announced plans to begin nationwide congresses from March as it moves to stabilise its internal structures and prepare for future elections.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Abia State Governor and party leader, Mr Alex Otti, said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders, including members of the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee and organised labour leaders.
Otti said discussions centred on conducting congresses at all levels of the party, validating existing members and registering new ones. He confirmed that a committee had been established to oversee the membership verification process, while preparations for a national convention were ongoing.
The governor welcomed the publication of the party’s NWC leadership on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s website, describing it as a positive development.
He also addressed recent internal setbacks, including the departure of former presidential candidate Peter Obi and the defection of some lawmakers and party officials. While acknowledging the challenges, Otti said the party remained resilient and committed to reconciliation.
According to him, a reconciliation committee will engage aggrieved members willing to return to the party under its rules. He added that he had personally appealed to Julius Abure and his associates to rejoin the party in the interest of unity.
Otti said the Labour Party might be unable to participate in the forthcoming FCT area council elections due to limited time, but stressed that it would be fully involved in subsequent polls.
On Obi’s move to the African Democratic Congress, Otti said the party wished him well. He also ruled out the possibility of joining any political coalition, saying the Labour Party already represented a broad coalition of interests.
A recent judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja recognised the interim leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leadership, prompting INEC to update its records accordingly.
