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The internal crisis in the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Monday when the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Julius Abure, rejected reconciliation efforts proposed by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, labeling them as dishonest and poorly timed.

The Abure faction asserted that the leadership dispute is still unresolved, emphasizing that ongoing legal proceedings have not been completed.

It further alleged that Governor Otti was instrumental in instigating the crisis that the party is currently facing.

Mr. Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, rejected Otti’s proposal for reconciliation, casting doubt on its timing and sincerity.

“We are not interested in any reconciliation move being proposed by Governor Alex Otti because he is largely responsible for the crisis facing the party today,” Ifoh said.

He remarked that the call for reconciliation was made too soon, pointing out that the court ruling lauded by the opposing faction was merely a lower court judgment.

“What we witnessed was a decision of a court of first instance. Why can’t he wait for the outcome of the appeal before talking about reconciliation?” He asked.

Ifoh charged that Otti was acting too quickly, maintaining that the leadership under Abure would ultimately triumph.

“Why is he suddenly in a rush? As far as we are concerned, their celebration is a pyrrhic victory. It will fade away, and Nigerians will soon see the authentic leadership of the Labour Party. The battle is far from over,” he stated.

Despite recent court decisions and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) acknowledgment of the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, the firm repudiation highlights the growing rifts within the party.

Hours after Governor Otti publicly expressed regret over the departure of the party’s former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and labeled it a major setback for the Labour Party, the Abure camp responded.

During a meeting with members of the party’s Board of Trustees, leaders of the National Caretaker Committee, and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Otti made his remarks in Abuja.

After INEC acknowledged the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman—a decision that the Abure faction had previously condemned as hasty and biased—the meeting took place.

Otti, while addressing stakeholders, stated that the party’s new leadership was dedicated to mending internal rifts and reinstating unity following its court victory.

“We have agreed that there is a need to establish a reconciliation committee. The interim National Working Committee will advise on the appropriate time to set it up. The goal is to reconcile all members who are willing to return,” he said.

He made a direct appeal to the faction led by Abure to reassess its stance.

“We call on Julius Abure and his team to sheathe their swords and return to the party. As long as they are willing to abide by the party’s rules, we will gladly welcome them back,” Otti added.

The governor of Abia also revealed that the Labour Party would not take part in the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections and dismissed any plans to join a larger opposition coalition for the 2027 general elections.

“Labour Party is already a coalition, a coalition of Nigerian workers and progressive-minded citizens. We have no intention of joining any other coalition,” he said.

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