Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Labour Party (LP) has formally affirmed Abia State Governor Alex Chioma Otti as its national leader, while extending good wishes to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent decision to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition. The announcement reflects ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a communique issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha and endorsed by interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, said it had unanimously reaffirmed Otti’s leadership position. According to the meeting communiqué, Governor Otti was chosen to guide internal efforts to stabilise and rebuild the party after a prolonged leadership crisis that saw significant defections and internal disagreements.
The statement also noted that the Labour Party “wishes His Excellency Mr Peter Obi well in his future political endeavours and in his new political party,” suggesting a measured response to Obi’s shift in political affiliation. The party underscored its commitment to unity and stated that its internal congresses and national convention would proceed in strict compliance with its constitution.
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election and widely credited with energising a large youth constituency, formally joined an opposition coalition anchored on the ADC at a political event late last year. The move has been interpreted as part of broader efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ADC coalition — which includes several prominent political figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum — has been positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aiming to challenge the governing party’s dominance in the 2027 presidential contest. Analysts say Obi’s involvement could enhance the coalition’s appeal, especially among voters who supported his Labour Party campaign in 2023.
For its part, the Labour Party has been navigating a fractious period triggered by internal leadership disputes that saw rival factions and legislative interventions. A 2025 Supreme Court judgment held that the tenure of former National Chairman Julius Abure had expired, prompting changes in the party’s leadership structure and legal recognition. The recent communique called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully recognise Usman and Nwokocha in their respective roles, consistent with the court’s decision.
The affirmation of Otti as national leader signals the party’s intent to maintain continuity and organisational coherence despite the departure of high-profile figures. As a sitting state governor, Otti brings executive experience and visibility, which party officials hope will help strengthen the LP’s grassroots structures and electoral prospects in the coming years.
Political observers note that the Labour Party’s response to Obi’s move has been notably diplomatic. Rather than condemn the former presidential candidate or demand his immediate resignation from the LP, the leadership opted to publicly affirm its continuing mission and extend well-wishes for Obi’s new political pathway. This more measured tone may reflect a desire to avoid further internal fragmentation while preserving the party’s political identity.
The broader opposition landscape in Nigeria is undergoing significant shifts. The ADC-led coalition has drawn leaders such as former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola into its fold, as part of efforts to consolidate non-APC and non-PDP forces. ADC officials have emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties to present a formidable challenge in 2027, with Obi’s participation reinforcing that narrative.
Meanwhile, voices within the Labour Party, including its former vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, have suggested that Obi could be welcomed back into the party should he not secure the ADC’s presidential ticket. Baba-Ahmed has also reaffirmed his own commitment to the Labour Party and its future direction, indicating that internal debates over identity and loyalty continue to shape the party’s evolution.
NOPOLL and governance analysts say this period of political realignment offers both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria’s major parties. For the Labour Party, reaffirming leadership and charting a stable organisational course could be critical to retaining relevance in the face of defections and the rising prominence of opposition coalitions. For the ADC and its allies, incorporating figures with national stature like Peter Obi aims to broaden appeal beyond traditional party bases.
As the 2027 elections approach, the unfolding dynamics within and between political parties will continue to attract close attention, with implications for electoral strategies, coalition building, and voter engagement across Nigeria’s diverse electorate.
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