1. Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abia State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Senator Nenadi Usman–led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, following updates made to the commission’s official website.

Governor Otti said the release of the long-awaited Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment has effectively ended the prolonged leadership crisis within the Labour Party, paving the way for internal reconciliation and renewed focus.

Speaking to journalists after the NWC meeting held over the weekend in Abuja, Otti expressed the party’s regret over its inability to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February, attributing the decision to the prolonged legal battles. He, however, assured that the party is now repositioned for a nationwide mass membership registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The party regrets that it will not be participating in the upcoming FCT Area Council elections in February due to the prolonged legal tussle. However, with INEC’s recognition of the party leadership, we are now ready to bounce back and proceed with local government and state congresses, as well as the national convention,” Otti said.

Meanwhile, the Senator Nenadi Usman-led NWC has formally wished the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, well following his departure from the party.

“For now, the party acknowledges Obi’s exit and wishes him success in his new political journey. We are not discussing his future decisions or the possibility of his return, but it is clear that he now has a party where he belongs,” the NWC stated.

The committee also disclosed the establishment of a reconciliation committee aimed at reuniting aggrieved members, particularly those affected by the party’s internal crisis, which led to the loss of several National Assembly seats. An olive branch was equally extended to the Abure-led faction to join hands in rebuilding a stronger and more formidable Labour Party.

Addressing speculation about possible political coalitions ahead of 2027, the NWC dismissed the idea, stating that the Labour Party already represents a broad coalition of Nigerian workers.

“The Labour Party does not need any coalition because it is itself a coalition of Nigerian workers, who make up about 75 per cent of the population. Why should we seek another coalition to succeed?” the committee said.

The NWC meeting was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other party stakeholders.