UMUAHIA – Amidst a shifting political landscape and the high-profile departure of Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Abia State Governor Alex Otti has broken his silence on his political future, affirming his current membership in the Labour Party (LP) while leaving the door ajar for future moves.
Speaking on his political standing, Otti maintained that he remains the national leader of the Labour Party but cautioned that the volatile nature of Nigerian politics makes long-term certainties impossible. “I am still in the Labour Party, but nobody knows tomorrow,” the Governor stated, an admission that has sparked intense speculation among political analysts.
The Governor’s “wait-and-see” stance follows a direct invitation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), specifically Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, to join the ruling party. While Otti has publicly snubbed the APC overtures, his refusal to issue a “lifetime” commitment to the LP suggests he is keeping his options open as the 2027 general elections approach.
Independent Path from Peter Obi
Addressing his relationship with Peter Obi, Otti clarified that his political journey is not tied to the former presidential candidate’s movements. He noted that he joined the Labour Party before Obi and intends to stay to “rescue and reposition” the embattled party. However, he was quick to add a caveat: “If we exhaust all efforts and the party cannot be repositioned, then we can discuss other options.”
Internal Siege and ‘Suspension’ Dramas
The Governor’s position is further complicated by a bitter internal feud with the Julius Abure-led faction of the LP, which recently claimed to have “suspended” Otti for alleged anti-party activities. Otti has dismissed the move as a legal non-starter, relying instead on the recognition of the LP’s National Working Committee, which views him as the party’s central pillar following Obi’s exit.
Despite pressure from the “Obidient” movement to migrate toward a unified bloc in the ADC, Otti insisted that his immediate priority is the governance of Abia State rather than 2027 permutations. “I am not God. I cannot say if there’s no LP tomorrow,” he remarked, signaling that while he is the captain of the ship for now, he is not blind to the icebergs ahead.
Will Governor Otti lead a Labour Party rebirth, or is his “nobody knows tomorrow” comment the first hint of a strategic defection?
