NEWS
GOV. OTTI SPEAKS TO ABIANS: DEFECTION RUMOURS LAID TO REST AS GOV. ALEX OTTI REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO LABOUR PARTY, BACKS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S SECOND-TERM BID
…As He Declares Readiness For 2027 Re-election as Supreme Court Resolves Party Crisis
…says Political Appointees Nurturing Ambitions For Elective Offices Will Be Required to Resign at the Appropriate Time in line with established guidelines.
Amid growing political speculation and shifting alignments across Nigeria’s political landscape, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has decisively put to rest rumours of a possible defection, firmly reiterating his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and dismissing any notion of abandoning the platform that brought him to power.
Speaking during the March edition of his monthly Media Parley, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” the Governor addressed concerns surrounding internal party challenges, emphasizing that all lingering disputes within the party have been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fully complied with the apex court’s ruling, thereby restoring stability and legitimacy within the party’s structure.
Governor Otti, who used the platform to reaffirm his political stance, stressed that he has no intention of defecting to any other political platform in the foreseeable future, maintaining that the Labour Party has emerged stronger and better positioned for future electoral contests.
The Governor also addressed broader national political dynamics, particularly the anticipated 2027 general elections. In a notable declaration, he stated that he would not oppose the second-term ambition of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while confirming his own intention to seek re-election as Governor of Abia State.
According to him, he has no basis to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid since he is not contesting for the presidency.
“The member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency is correct. I am not in a position to oppose the candidacy of the President. I am not running for President. Why will I oppose the President’s second term when I am also running for second term?” he stated.
Reinforcing his earlier position on party loyalty, the Governor again dismissed speculations about a possible defection, affirming his continued membership of the Labour Party.
“Labour Party had issues, but those have been resolved by the Supreme Court. Registration is ongoing, and I encourage those who have not registered to do so
“The Labour Party had a problem, but that problem has been resolved by the Supreme Court. And INEC has also respected the decision of the Supreme Court. So maybe you haven’t followed the recent events in the party.
“The party is back on its feet and strong. As we speak, registration is going on and those who haven’t registered should please register. You still have a window to register.
“We will be having our congresses leading all the way to convention any time from now. So, in the light of this superior information, the question about defecting does not arise,” Governor Otti said.
On the issue of political appointees nurturing ambitions for elective offices, Governor Otti maintained that due process would be upheld, stating that such appointees would be required to resign at the appropriate time in line with established guidelines.
The Governor’s remarks come at a critical time in Nigeria’s political calendar, offering clarity on his political direction while reinforcing party cohesion and signaling early preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.