Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, personally informed him of his decision to leave the Labour Party, a development that has continued to generate political discussions across the country. The governor made this disclosure while addressing journalists, shedding light on his position regarding the unfolding political realignment.
Otti made this known on Tuesday during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. His comments came ahead of Obi’s planned formal defection to the African Democratic Congress in Enugu on Wednesday. The briefing provided an opportunity for the governor to clarify his stance amid growing speculation about whether he would follow Obi to the ADC.
The Abia governor, who currently remains the only Labour Party governor in Nigeria, made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the party. He emphasized that his political journey within the Labour Party did not begin with Peter Obi, stressing that he joined the party before the former Anambra State governor and therefore does not see Obi’s exit as a reason to defect.
Otti speaks on Obi’s exit
Speaking further, Otti explained that Obi personally communicated his decision to him and that there was no animosity between them over the move. According to the governor, he gave Obi his blessings while firmly restating his resolve to remain in the Labour Party. He said:
“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him.
“He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party.
“That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party.”
Otti’s comments were widely interpreted as a firm declaration of loyalty to the Labour Party, despite the growing wave of defections and internal challenges facing the party at the national level. He maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the party’s structure and ensuring it remains viable for future electoral contests.
APC call and response
The governor also addressed calls from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had publicly urged him to join the All Progressives Congress. Otti, however, declined to engage directly with the appeal, stating that he was not interested in distractions or political provocations.
He stated: “Ordinarily, I would not respond to matters like that. However, those of you who listened to my Christmas message will recall that I called on our people who have enough to extend support to the less privileged, particularly persons with disabilities.
“So, seeing that he heeded the call and distributed money to vulnerable people, I thank him for doing that.
“But I have also taken a principled decision not to be provoked or condescending in my response.”
To further explain his approach, the governor quoted former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, emphasizing the importance of focus and restraint in leadership. He said:
“You will never get to your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks.”
Obi’s ADC move
Meanwhile, supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient Movement, have reportedly gathered in Enugu ahead of his formal declaration into the ADC. The gathering signals growing anticipation among his followers as they await his next political steps.
Leader of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, disclosed that Obi has been involved in the ADC coalition for some time and that the formal declaration is expected to provide a clear direction for his supporters nationwide.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has consistently reiterated his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. He has maintained that he is fully prepared for the challenge ahead, as political alignments and strategies continue to take shape in the build-up to the next general elections.