Labour Party NWC Presents Otti with Free Gov Ticket, Hails Leadership

In recognition of the quality of leadership being provided by the Governor of Abia State, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party on Friday presented a free governorship nomination form to Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The NWC also commended him for demonstrating the core ideals of the Labour Party through his leadership style and inclusive governance model.
According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the presentation and commendation took place during a meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, praised Governor Otti for clearly demonstrating the Labour Party’s ideals of social justice and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
Presenting the free governorship nomination form, the National Chairman explained that the NWC had collectively resolved to hand over all Labour Party nomination forms for Abia State to the Governor as a mark of confidence in his leadership.
“We are here today to collectively express our gratitude for your good leadership and for showing Nigerians, especially the people of Abia State, what the Labour Party truly represents,” she stated.
Senator Nenadi further acknowledged Governor Otti’s inclusive approach to politics, noting that he does not practice the zero-sum, “winner-takes-all” style of politics.
“You have won, but you are carrying along even those you defeated. Even those you defeated cannot help but praise you,” Senator Usman said.
She also recalled positive remarks from members of other political parties who had commended the Governor’s leadership style, stressing that, “If this is how Nigerian politics can be transformed, then there will be less acrimony in our politics.”
Earlier, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, described Governor Otti as the face of the party’s revival.
“We are very happy with what you have done for the Labour Party. Nigerians are proud of you. You have restored public confidence in the party,” he said.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the party leadership for what he described as a rare gesture.
“I want to thank the National Working Committee of our great party for this gesture of handing over the governorship nomination form to me free of charge,” Otti said.
He also commended the party leadership for stabilizing the Labour Party despite recent internal crises and legal challenges.
“I want to congratulate you on how you have been able to keep this party together, avoid the landmines, and stabilize it up to this moment. I think it would be right to say that the party is now safe,” he added.
Governor Otti stated that, with the legal distractions now behind the party, attention should shift toward rebuilding and strengthening its structures and organs, noting that this remains the only way forward.
In his vote of thanks, the immediate past Interim National Secretary of the party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who also used the opportunity to pick up the nomination form for the Abia Central Senatorial Zone, described Governor Otti as a leader redefining political culture.
“You are not just winning elections; you are teaching us a new standard of leadership and politics,” he said.
He further recalled the Governor’s role in ensuring peaceful and orderly processes during the party’s primaries in 2022, noting that his leadership brought discipline and unity to the party.
The meeting was attended by Labour Party members of the House of Representatives, led by the caucus leader, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe; the National Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Opara; the National Women Leader, Hilda Dokubo; and the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa. Also in attendance were members of the Abia State Executive Council.