Otti Urges Unity as Party Elects New Leadership at Umuahia National Convention

Governor Alex Otti has called for reconciliation, unity, and grassroots expansion within the Labour Party following the successful conclusion of its 2026 Elective National Convention, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, on Tuesday.

The Governor also commended the peaceful conduct of the Labour Party’s 2026 Elective National Convention, describing the process as inclusive, transparent, and representative of Nigeria’s diversity.

Gov. Alex Otti and his wife, Priscilla with National Chairman of LP, Nenadi Usman at the convention.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Otti congratulated the newly elected 34-member National Working Committee, noting that their emergence reflected national unity and internal cohesion.

“I want to congratulate all of you for emerging as leaders of this party in an arrangement devoid of rancour, devoid of problems, devoid of disagreements,” Gov. Otti said.

He emphasised that the composition of the committee cuts across all geopolitical zones, reinforcing the party’s national outlook.

“From the North-West, North-East, North Central, South-West, South-South to South-East, that clearly shows that the party is a national party,” he added.

The Governor charged the new leadership to prioritise reconciliation and inclusiveness, urging them to re-engage aggrieved members and expand the party’s base.

“Nobody should be left behind… go on a reconciliation drive to bring everybody together. This is a game of numbers,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of membership registration and credible primaries ahead of future elections, stressing that the party must improve its digital registration process and ensure free and fair internal contests.

“Very soon, primaries will be conducted… I expect that our primaries will be even smoother and will be free and fair,” he noted.

Earlier, Chairman National Convention and Congresses Central Committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, welcomed delegates and commended stakeholders for their commitment.

Hon. Onwusibe assured participants that the convention followed constitutional guidelines and democratic standards.

He revealed that over 1,000 delegates participated in the convention, which followed a successful ward, local government, and state congresses nationwide.

In her opening remarks, Nenadi Usman traced the party’s recent history, including leadership disputes and court rulings that affirmed the current leadership structure.

“There is no victor, no vanquished… we have extended a hand of friendship to all,” she said.

She urged delegates to prioritize the party’s collective interest in choosing leaders.

“The quality of leadership we choose will shape the party’s future,” Usman stressed.

In her acceptance speech after inauguration, Senator Nenadi Usman described the convention as a defining moment for the party and Nigeria’s democratic future.

She warned that Nigeria faces severe socio-economic challenges, including inflation and declining living standards, and urged the party to offer a credible alternative.

“The situation demands a bold, disciplined, ideologically grounded political alternative. The Labour Party must rise to this occasion,” Usman stated.

She further called for the protection of the party’s founding principles.

“The party must remain a true vehicle for the working class and not be hijacked by opportunistic interests,” she added.

Delivering a vote of appreciation, the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Acho Obioma reaffirmed commitment to strengthening party structures and promoting unity.

“From this day forward, we rise in unity, we rise in discipline, we rise in sacrifice, and we rise in victory,” he declared.

There were goodwill/solidarity messages from Comr. Engr Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comr. Joe Ajaero, President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Veteran Comr. PA Lawson Osagie, Acting BOT chairman, Labour Party.

The 2026 Labour Party National Convention concluded with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and strategic mobilisation, as party leaders expressed confidence in repositioning the party ahead of future elections.