Abia State governor, Alex Otti is reportedly set to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising fresh concerns within the opposition party.
His planned departure according to Vanguard , has caused tension among party members, especially as it may trigger a wave of defections by other influential figures.
The governor’s move comes amid an unresolved leadership crisis within the LP, with two opposing factions laying claim to the party’s structure.
While Julius Abure insists he remains the national chairman, another group led by Senator Nenadi Usman operates as a caretaker committee.
Both sides await a final pronouncement from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is expected to act based on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the dispute.
Insiders say Otti’s defection plans are already at an advanced stage, with talks ongoing between him and APC leaders.
However, he has reportedly placed certain demands on the table. These include assurances that he and his allies in the State and National Assembly will be given priority when the 2027 election tickets are shared.
While the APC is open to his membership, party leaders are said to be cautious about extending the same privileges to his entire political circle.
Otti, along with the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has openly withdrawn support from Abure’s leadership.
The two now back the Usman-led caretaker committee, which they helped put together to address the lingering issues in the party.
Signs of Otti’s likely exit became clear during the November 2024 local government elections in Abia State.
At the time, he gave his supporters the freedom to contest under any party of their choice. Many of them moved to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and ended up winning most of the available seats.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) secured the remaining ones. This development was seen by observers as a quiet signal that Otti was gradually moving away from LP.
Despite these moves, Otti has insisted he still belongs to the Labour Party. However, he has made it clear that if he ever decides to leave, he will not do so in secret.
Leave a Reply