2027 Elections: Gov Alex Otti Urges Defectors to Return as Labour Party Moves to Rebuild and Reunite

Abia Governor Calls for Unity, Grassroots Mobilisation and Internal Democracy at Abuja Summit

Governor Alex Otti has appealed to former members of the Labour Party to return, as the party intensifies efforts to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking through his deputy, Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu, at a high-level stakeholders’ summit in Abuja on Wednesday, Otti said the time had come to rebuild trust and restore internal cohesion within the party.

The one-day strategic meeting, themed “Reuniting the Labour Party Family: Consolidating Strength for Sustainable Political Impact,” was held at the party’s national secretariat in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

‘Labour Party Is More Than an Electoral Platform’

Otti said developments in Abia State demonstrate that the Labour Party represents more than a vehicle for contesting elections.

According to him, infrastructural renewal, institutional reforms and improved service delivery in Abia provide evidence that the party’s governance model can be replicated nationally.

“The Labour Party is not just an electoral platform, but a vehicle for purpose, governance, accountability and people-centred development,” he said.

Roadmap to 2027

With political realignments already shaping conversations ahead of the next general election cycle, Otti stressed that unity within the party would be critical to sustaining momentum.

He outlined a multi-pronged strategy that includes strengthening grassroots mobilisation, membership revalidation, forging alliances with like-minded progressives, and expanding youth and women participation.

Internal democracy, transparency and effective communication of achievements, he added, must remain central pillars.

“Sustainable political success requires internal harmony,” he said. “Reuniting the party is about building trust, strengthening structures, deepening communication and ensuring that every stakeholder… feels valued and heard.”

Olive Branch to Former Members

The governor extended an open invitation to members who exited the party during internal disputes and legal battles, urging them to return.

“At this very juncture, we are welcoming our brothers who lost during the litigations to join the Labour Party and let’s build from the scratch,” he said.

He emphasised that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than division, adding that the summit must produce concrete resolutions with measurable timelines.

Built, he noted, on principles of equity, justice and social inclusion, the Labour Party would remain resilient if it stayed true to its founding ideals.

As attention gradually shifts towards 2027, the Abuja summit signals a renewed push by party leaders to consolidate influence and present a unified front in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.