2027: Otti urges reconciliation as LP ratifies 1,211 candidates

R-L: Abia Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu presenting the Certificate of Return to LP presidential candidate, Dr Chibuzo Okereke in Abuja on Thursday. Photo credit: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday, called for unity and reconciliation within the Labour Party following the conclusion of its nationwide primary elections, warning that internal divisions could undermine the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Otti made the appeal at the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where the party ratified the outcome of its primaries and confirmed 1,211 candidates for various elective positions, including Dr Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate. Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor said party members must move beyond the contests of the primaries and work together to strengthen the party. He said, “Elections within the party should never create permanent divisions. The contest is over; the assignment has just begun. “Our opponents will seek to exploit divisions among us. We must not give them the opportunity.” Otti urged successful candidates to extend a hand of fellowship to fellow aspirants and foster reconciliation across party structures. “We must bring everyone to the table and harness the strength, experience, and networks of all those who participated. “You must therefore see yourselves not merely as candidates, but as ambassadors of hope and agents of change,” he stated. The governor also stressed the need for collective action and coordinated campaigns. “We must speak with one voice and mobilise collectively,” he added. The Labour Party has been battling internal leadership disputes in recent years, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure. However, party leaders at the NEC meeting insisted that reconciliation and unity remain critical to its electoral fortunes in 2027. Related News June 12: Democracy remains Nigeria’s strongest path to unity, prosperity, says Fubara VIDEO: Drama at Senate as Senator Ningi’s ‘dangerous spear’ sparks concerns N210tn probe: Senate disowns ex-NNPC boss Kyari arrest warrant, rebukes Oshiomhole Earlier, the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, appealed to aggrieved members to put aside their grievances and work for the growth of the party. “We had a successful primary election that took place all over the nation. Today, we are meeting here not just to thank God but to adopt what we have done all over the nation and ratify it. “As I always say, in every political party, there are bound to be people who are ag