Otti Hails Court Judgment, Says Labour Party Set for Peace and Unity

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has welcomed Wednesday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, describing it as a timely intervention that would restore order, peace and unity within the party.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor congratulated Senator Usman, the committee’s secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha, other members of the caretaker committee, and the entire Labour Party family. He described the ruling as “both heartwarming and timely,” noting that it presents a fresh opportunity to reposition the party for growth and success.

According to Otti, the court victory provides the platform for reorganisation and rejuvenation of the Labour Party, enabling it to emerge as a truly democratic institution that reflects the aspirations of its members. He expressed confidence that the party would now be better positioned to achieve electoral victories and deliver good governance at all levels.

The governor urged the caretaker committee to see the judgment as a call to provide purposeful, inclusive and constitution-driven leadership anchored on peace, unity and justice. He further appealed to individuals responsible for what he termed “frivolous litigations” against the party to respect the court’s decision, noting that the judgment aligns with an earlier Supreme Court ruling.

Otti assured aggrieved members of forgiveness and proper reintegration if they were willing to embrace peace and abide by the rule of law. He also thanked the judiciary for delivering what he described as a sound judgment and appreciated democracy advocates who stood by the party during its internal challenges.

Reacting separately, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Emmanuel Otti, expressed excitement over the ruling, saying it had restored public confidence in the judiciary. He dismissed the possibility of a successful appeal by the Julius Abure-led faction, insisting that the judgment would stand the test of time.